An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating Lagos to Port Harcourt flight on Wednesday diverted to Benin airport after the crew “heard a loud bang from the left engine”.

In a statement, Arik Air said the aircraft, operating flight W3-740 with registration 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.

The airline added that as a precautionary measure, the flight crew diverted to Benin.

“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,” Arik Air said.

“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.”

NSIB COMMENCES PROBE INTO INCIDENT

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) described it as an in-flight engine anomaly.

According to Bimbo Oladeji, director of public affairs and family assistance at NSIB, the crew detected abnormal engine indications during the flight and conducted a precautionary engine shutdown in line with established safety procedures before diverting to Benin airport.

“The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported,” Oladeji said. 

“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.”

The director said an assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview personnel and witnesses, and recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

She said the NSIB is working with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and 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 added. 

Oladeji urged members of the public with relevant information to contact the bureau through official channels, adding that further updates will be provided as more details become available.