An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft has diverted safely to Benin Airport following an in-flight engine anomaly on a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was in the cruise phase of the flight when the crew observed abnormal indications on one of its engines.
As a precautionary measure, the pilots shut down the affected engine and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
The aircraft landed safely without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), who confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Mrs Bimbo Oladeji said preliminary observations at the diversion airport showed significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.
In line with its statutory mandate and international aviation safety standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.
A preliminary assessment team has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
The Bureau said it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
According to the NSIB, a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
