The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft with registration 5N-MJF, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt (PHC) on Wednesday experienced an in-flight engine anomaly

The anomaly led to an emergency diversion and landing at Benin Airport.

The Bureau stated that the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

NSIB, while noting that no injuries have been reported, added that the preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, noted that during the cruise phase of the flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.

The statement reads in part, “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.

“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 that it 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.

The NSIB, while explaining that a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, added that the final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.

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