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Arik Air Boeing 737-700 developed engine fault mid-air
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Aircraft diverted safely to Benin Airport
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All 80 passengers and crew disembarked without injuries
There was panic aboard an Arik Air flight on Wednesday morning after the aircraft developed an engine problem while en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The airline confirmed that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft (registration 5N-MJF), operating Flight W3 740, experienced a loud bang from the left engine while descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
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According to a statement by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the crew detected abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of the flight and immediately initiated standard safety procedures.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Benin Airport, where the crew carried out a precautionary engine shutdown before landing safely.
All 80 passengers and crew members onboard disembarked without injuries.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, said preliminary visual assessment at Benin Airport indicated significant damage to the affected engine.
“In line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence,” she stated.
She added that investigators are en route to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel, and recover the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
The Bureau assured that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while a final report will be issued at the conclusion of investigations.
The NSIB also urged members of the public with relevant information to contact the agency through its official channels.
The safety agency reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.