An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating a Lagos to Port Harcourt flight on Wednesday diverts to Benin Airport after the crew “heard a loud bang from the left engine”.
In a statement, Arik Air says the aircraft, operating flight W3-740 with registration 5N-MJF, is descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurs.
The airline adds that, as a precautionary measure, the flight crew diverts to Benin.
“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,” Arik Air says.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) describes it as an in-flight engine anomaly.
According to Bimbo Oladeji, director of public affairs and family assistance at NSIB, the crew detects abnormal engine indications during the flight and conducts a precautionary engine shutdown in line with established safety procedures before diverting to Benin Airport.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji says.
“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.
“In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under ICAO Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.”
The director says an assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview personnel and witnesses, and recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
She says the NSIB is working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.
“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions. A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement adds.
Oladeji urges members of the public with relevant information to contact the bureau through official channels, adding that further updates will be provided as more details become available.