Arik Air Flight Diverts to Benin Following Engine Malfunction
An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday, February 11, after suffering an engine failure during its scheduled flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt. The aircraft, bearing registration number 5N-MJF and operating as flight W3 740, encountered abnormal engine indications while cruising, prompting immediate safety actions by the crew.
Passenger Accounts and Official Statements
Passengers aboard the flight reported hearing a loud bang emanating from the left engine, which was later confirmed by the airline's management. In a statement released by Adebanji Ola, the Public Relations and Communications Manager for Arik Air, it was clarified that the crew detected the loud bang on the left engine, leading to the decision to divert the aircraft to Benin as a precautionary measure.
The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa when the incident occurred. Ola emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers remain the airline's top priority, and he extended sincere apologies to the affected travelers whose journey was disrupted. All 80 passengers and crew members were safely disembarked without any injuries, and arrangements have been made to transport them to their final destination in Port Harcourt.
Investigation Launched by Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has officially commenced an investigation into the incident. According to a statement from Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the aircraft experienced an "in-flight engine anomaly," which necessitated the pilot's diversion to the nearest suitable airport, Benin Airport.
Oladeji detailed that during the cruise phase, the crew observed abnormal indications on one of the engines. Following established safety protocols, the flight crew executed a precautionary engine shutdown and proceeded to divert the aircraft. Preliminary visual assessments at Benin Airport revealed significant damage to the affected engine.
Procedural Steps and International Compliance
The NSIB is conducting the investigation in accordance with its statutory mandate and international standards under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13, as well as applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations. A preliminary assessment team has been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
The bureau is collaborating closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors. In line with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, a preliminary report is expected to be issued within 30 days, with a final report to be published upon the conclusion of the investigation.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety measures and prompt emergency responses in the aviation industry, ensuring passenger security remains paramount during unforeseen technical failures.
