BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the serious incident involving a Hawker 900XP aircraft, with nationality and registration mark 5N-KAL, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited.
In a statement, the Spokesperson for NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, said the aircraft was on a charter flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA), Abuja to Kotoka International Airport (DGAA), Accra, on December 6, 2024, when a mid-flight emergency prompted an urgent return to Abuja.
She added that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) promptly notified the NSIB of the occurrence, leading to an immediate investigation.
A team of NSIB investigators was dispatched the following day to conduct a thorough assessment of the aircraft, in line with the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2023 and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The preliminary report now provides an in-depth look into the incident, presenting initial findings while the full investigation continues.
According to the report, the flight departed Abuja’s Runway 22 at 17:39 local time, operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Onboard were three crew members and one passenger, with a fuel endurance of four hours and thirty minutes.
The First Officer was designated as the Pilot Flying, while the Captain acted as the Pilot Monitoring.
Barely 12 minutes into the flight, as the aircraft climbed past flight level (FL) 260, a sudden and alarming event unfolded.
The crew reported hearing a loud bang from Engine Number 2, immediately followed by a sharp rise in temperature and significant vibrations.
Reacting swiftly, the flight crew reduced engine power to idle, hoping to stabilize the aircraft.
However, the vibrations persisted, prompting them to declare an emergency at 17:51:28 and request an immediate return to Abuja.
At 17:51:40, Lagos Control acknowledged the emergency and instructed 5N-KAL to revert to Kano Control.
At 17:52:44, upon establishing communication with Kano Control, the aircraft was cleared to descend to FL180 and to proceed on a left turn towards Pokmo 2. The situation continued to escalate, and by 17:57:57, Abuja Approach had taken over and further cleared 5N-KAL to descend to FL065 and subsequently FL050.
However, as the aircraft approached 5000 feet at 18:12:08, the First Officer noted visual contact with the ground, at which point Engine Number 2 was completely secured.
The Captain then announced, “NUMBER TWO IS OUT.” Moments later, the First Officer responded, “NUMBER ONE IS OUT, NUMBER TWO IS OUT,” indicating that both engines were now non-responsive.
At this critical moment, the Captain declared, “LET’S GO FINAL,” initiating the landing sequence.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the crew issued a second emergency declaration at 18:12:19, stating, “WE HAVE LOST TWO ENGINES.” This was met with immediate clearance from Abuja Radar at 18:13:01 for an emergency landing on Runway 22.
The final approach was intense, with the aircraft’s systems issuing several aural warnings, including “TOO LOW TERRAIN TOO LOW TERRAIN” as it neared the ground.
Despite the high-stakes scenario, the crew maintained composure, executing controlled maneuvers to stabilize the aircraft for touchdown.
At 18:14:10, Abuja Tower cleared the aircraft to land, reporting calm winds.
The First Officer meticulously guided the Captain through final approach adjustments, calling out “LANDING GEARS DOWN AND LOCKED” while cautioning that the aircraft was approaching with excessive speed.
The Captain acknowledged, adjusting accordingly. By 18:14:53, flaps were deployed, ensuring a controlled descent.
The aircraft safely touched down at 18:15:26, and the First Officer immediately radioed Abuja Tower, confirming, “SAFE ON GROUND.”
Following the landing, the crew realized that Engine Number 1 had regained thrust response, an unexpected turn of events after both engines had appeared to fail mid-flight.
Despite the ordeal, the aircraft successfully taxied to the International Terminal Apron without further incident.
Emergency responders were already on standby, but fortunately, all four occupants disembarked unhurt.
As part of its ongoing investigation, the NSIB has recommended a comprehensive technical inspection of both engines to determine the cause of the thrust anomalies.
A detailed review of the aircraft’s maintenance records is also underway to identify any underlying factors that may have contributed to the incident.
“The investigation is still in progress, and the final report will provide comprehensive conclusions and safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety,” the NSIB stated.
The Bureau, the Spokesperson said, has made the full preliminary report available on its official website for stakeholders and the public.
The final report is expected to offer in-depth safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to air safety and regulatory compliance.
