The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that the crew of an Arik Air Limited aircraft declared a MAYDAY after a loud mid-air engine blast forced an emergency diversion during a domestic flight.
This was contained in the Bureau’s preliminary report released on Friday, on the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-700 with registration mark 5N-MJF.
According to the report, the aircraft was on a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt on February 11, 2026, when the incident occurred.
Investigators said the aircraft was climbing between flight levels 260 and 270 when the flight crew heard a loud bang followed by a grinding noise and strong vibrations from the number one engine.
The First Officer, who was the pilot flying, immediately alerted the captain, who was acting as pilot monitoring. The crew subsequently declared a MAYDAY to Air Traffic Control and initiated emergency procedures.
The aircraft was diverted to the nearest airport in Benin City, where it landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked without injuries.
The preliminary findings also revealed that the engine blast caused extensive damage to the aircraft’s engine and other structural components.
Investigators discovered that the engine inlet cowling was missing, while one of the engine’s fan blades was broken and several others were chipped and damaged. The report also identified multiple cuts and cracks on the engine containment case.
In addition, several aircraft components, including the exhaust assembly, anti-ice duct, thrust reversers and parts of the wing and stabilisers, sustained varying degrees of damage.
The Bureau said there were dents and punctures on different sections of the airframe, while the vertical stabiliser and rudder surfaces also showed visible impact marks.
NSIB further confirmed that the flight crew were properly licensed and the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness at the time of the incident.
Post-incident tests conducted on the crew showed negative results for alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances, while communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers was described as effective during the emergency.
The Bureau said investigation into the incident is ongoing and further technical examinations will be conducted before a final report containing safety recommendations is issued.
