80 escape unhurt as Arik Air plane makes emergency landing in Benin
Elegbede Abiodun
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a Lagos–Port Harcourt flight made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected what the airline described as a loud bang in one of the aircraft’s engines.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later described the incident as involving “significant damage” to the affected engine.
The airline’s spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, said in a statement that the aircraft, with registration 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
He said the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine while the aircraft was descending into Port Harcourt, prompting them to take precautionary action.
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 said all 80 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated after the aircraft landed in Benin, adding that no injuries were recorded.
“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 apologised for the disruption, assuring passengers that safety remained its priority.
“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.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly.
She said abnormal indications were detected on one of the engines during the flight, prompting a precautionary engine shutdown and diversion to Benin, where the aircraft landed without incident.
“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 bureau added that it had commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13.
“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment,” the statement noted.
According to the NSIB, 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.
“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information,” the Bureau stated.
The bureau said a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, while a final report would be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
