An Arik Air Boeing 737 operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt developed an in-flight engine problem on Wednesday and safely diverted to Benin Airport, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has said.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, experienced an engine issue while en route to Port Harcourt from Lagos. The incident occurred during the cruise phase of the flight, according to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
The statement said the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines and, in line with standard safety procedures, carried out a precautionary engine shutdown before diverting to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Benin Airport, where all passengers and crew disembarked without incident. No injuries were reported.
“Preliminary observations at Benin Airport suggest significant damage to the affected engine, based on an initial visual assessment. In line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB said it has commenced an investigation.
“The assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information,” the statement said.
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