The crew of an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an emergency landing to Benin Airport after detecting a loud blast in one of the aircraft’s engines.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later stated that the incident resulted in “significant damage” to the afflicted engine.
According to the airline’s spokeswoman, Adebanjo Ola, the aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was flying flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa at the time of the incident.
He stated that the crew heard a big bang from the left engine while the aircraft was descending into Port Harcourt, leading them to take cautious measures.
He said, “The aircraft was on its descent to Port Harcourt when the operating crew heard a loud bang on the left engine. As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin.”
Arik Air stated that all 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated after the aircraft landed in Benin, and that no injuries were reported.
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination,” the statement added.
The airline tendered an apology for the disruption, assuring passengers that safety remained paramaount.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” he said.
Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, confirmed the occurrence, stating that the aircraft had an engine abnormality while in flight.
She stated that aberrant indicators were noticed on one of the engines during the flight, causing a precautionary engine shutdown and diversion to Benin, where the plane landed safely.
“In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin.
“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” she stated.
The agency also stated that it has launched a complete inquiry in accordance with its legislative authority and international norms under ICAO Annex 13.
