By Gabriel Agbeja
Tragedy was averted Wednesday as an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft,
registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port
Harcourt experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and diverted safely to Benin
Airport.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) made this known in a statement
in Abuja, signed by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family
Assistance.
According to NSIB, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the
engines during the cruise phase of flight.
The statement read:
‘’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. Preliminary observations at the diversion
airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual
assessment.
‘’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,’’ it said.
It stated that a preliminary assessment team was en route to Benin to secure the
aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and
recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
According to the statement, NSIB is working closely with the Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to
determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
It stated that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days in accordance
with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, adding that a final report will be published at the
conclusion of the investigation.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority.
“The NSIB encourages any member of the public with relevant information
regarding this occurrence to contact the Bureau through its official channels.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,’’ it said.
