Travel
Tragedy Averted as Arik Air Lagos–Port Harcourt Flight Diverts to Benin After Engine Incident
A potential tragedy was averted on Wednesday after an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert to Benin Airport following a loud bang from its left engine.
The aircraft, operating flight W3-740 with registration number 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the flight crew reportedly heard a loud bang and observed abnormal engine indications.
In a statement released by the airline, Arik Air confirmed that the crew immediately took precautionary measures by shutting down the affected engine in line with safety procedures and diverting the aircraft to Benin Airport.
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination,” the airline stated.
Arik Air apologised to passengers whose travel plans were disrupted, reiterating that the safety and wellbeing of its passengers remain its top priority.
NSIB Commences Investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that it has launched a formal investigation into the incident, describing it as an in-flight engine anomaly.
According to Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the crew detected abnormal engine readings mid-flight and carried out a precautionary engine shutdown before diverting safely to Benin.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said.
Preliminary observations conducted at the diversion airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.
Oladeji disclosed that an NSIB assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
The NSIB stated that the investigation is being conducted in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, as well as Nigerian civil aviation regulations. The bureau is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
Members of the public with relevant information have been urged to contact the bureau through official channels as further updates will be provided in due course.
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