The faulty Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft
A potential aviation disaster was averted on Wednesday after an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, safely diverted to Benin Airport following an in-flight engine anomaly.
The aircraft was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the incident occurred, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau disclosed that the flight crew noticed abnormal indications on one of the aircraft’s engines while cruising.
“Following standard safety procedures, the crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport,” the statement said.
The NSIB confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Benin without incident, and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally. No injuries were recorded.
Preliminary observations carried out at Benin Airport, however, indicated that the affected engine suffered significant damage, based on an initial visual inspection.
In line with its statutory responsibilities and international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13, the Bureau announced that it has commenced a full investigation into the incident.
It revealed that a preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The Bureau further stated that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other key stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to public safety, Mrs. Oladeji said, “The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority.”
She also urged members of the public who may have useful information regarding the incident to contact the Bureau through its official channels.
The NSIB assured Nigerians that further updates would be provided as more details emerge, stressing that transparency and safety remain central to its operations.
