An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday was diverted to Benin Airport after the crew reported hearing a loud bang from the left engine.
In a statement, the airline said the aircraft, operating flight W3-740 with registration 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident happened.
Arik Air said the crew chose to divert to Benin as a precautionary measure.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and wellbeing of passengers is always our priority at Arik Air.”
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau described it as an in-flight engine anomaly.
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB,
Bimbo Oladeji, the crew observed abnormal engine indications mid-flight and carried out a precautionary engine shutdown in line with standard safety procedures before diverting to Benin Airport.
“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,” Oladeji stated.
The director said an assessment team is on its way to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew members and witnesses, and retrieve the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
She added that the NSIB is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Arik Air, and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.
“A Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions. A Final Report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement noted.
