An Arik Air Boeing 737-700, en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt, made an emergency landing at Benin Airport on Wednesday after a loud bang was heard coming from one of the aircraft’s engines.
The airline described the incident as resulting in “significant damage” to the affected engine.
According to Arik Air’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
“The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin,” Ola stated.
Arik Air confirmed that all 80 passengers and crew on board were safely evacuated after landing in Benin, and no injuries were reported.
“There were no injuries to passengers or crew, as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the statement said.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
In a statement, Bimbo Oladeji, director of public affairs and family assistance at the NSIB, said: “Abnormal indications were detected on one of the engines during the flight, prompting the flight crew to shut down the engine and divert to the nearest suitable airport, Benin, where the aircraft landed without further issues.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported.
“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment,” the NSIB stated.
“A preliminary 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 Bureau added.
The NSIB expects to issue a preliminary report within 30 days, with a final report to follow after the investigation concludes.
