Arik aircraft makes emergency landing to Benin after ‘failed’ engine
On Wednesday, a Boeing 737-700 operated by Arik Air was diverted to Benin Airport from Lagos to Port Harcourt after the crew reported hearing a loud blast from the left engine.
The airline said in a statement that the incident occurred when the plane, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3-740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa.
As a precaution, the crew decided to divert to Benin, according to Arik Air.
We offer our heartfelt apologies to the travellers from Port Harcourt whose travel has been interrupted. At Arik Air, passenger safety and well-being are our top priorities.
The airline said in a statement that the incident occurred when the plane, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3-740, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa.
As a precaution, the crew decided to divert to Benin, according to Arik Air.
We offer our heartfelt apologies to the travellers from Port Harcourt whose travel has been interrupted. At Arik Air, passenger safety and well-being are our top priorities.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed the occurrence in a statement, characterising it as an anomaly with the in-flight engine.
Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB's Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, claims that the crew saw unusual engine indicators in midair and, in accordance with customary safety protocols, performed a precautionary engine shutdown prior to diverting to Benin Airport.
"All of the passengers and crew disembarked normally once the plane landed without any problems. There have been no reports of injuries.
Based on an initial visual examination, preliminary observations at the diversion airport show that the afflicted engine has severe damage.
Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB's Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, claims that the crew saw unusual engine indicators in midair and, in accordance with customary safety protocols, performed a precautionary engine shutdown prior to diverting to Benin Airport.
"All of the passengers and crew disembarked normally once the plane landed without any problems. There have been no reports of injuries.
Based on an initial visual examination, preliminary observations at the diversion airport show that the afflicted engine has severe damage.
“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,” Oladeji stated.
According to the director, an evaluation team is in route to Benin to secure the aircraft, collect evidence, speak with witnesses and crew, and recover flight data and voice recorders from the cockpit.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air, and other pertinent parties are working with the NSIB to ascertain the timeline and any contributing factors, she continued.
Within 30 days, a preliminary report will be released in compliance with the guidelines in ICAO Annex 13. When the inquiry is finished, a Final Report will be released, the statement said.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air, and other pertinent parties are working with the NSIB to ascertain the timeline and any contributing factors, she continued.
Within 30 days, a preliminary report will be released in compliance with the guidelines in ICAO Annex 13. When the inquiry is finished, a Final Report will be released, the statement said.
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