Investigation Bureau Begins Probe Into Arik Air Lagos–Port Harcourt Flight Engine Incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an in-flight engine anomaly involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Bureau disclosed that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-MJF, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos (LOS) to Port Harcourt (PHC) when the incident occurred.

According to the statement, the flight crew detected abnormal indications on one of the aircraft’s engines during the cruise phase of the flight. In line with established safety procedures, the crew carried out a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and diverted the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport, Benin (BNI).

The aircraft landed safely without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on an initial visual assessment.

In accordance with its statutory mandate and international standards under ICAO Annex 13, as well as relevant Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has launched a full investigation into the occurrence.

A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview crew members and relevant witnesses, and recover data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

The NSIB said it was working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other key stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days in line with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, while a final report will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.

The Bureau reaffirmed that the safety of passengers, crew, and the general public remains its top priority and urged anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact the agency through its official channels.