BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced a full-scale investigation into an incident involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL operating a domestic service from Lagos to Port Harcourt that was forced to divert to Benin on Wednesday after suffering an in-flight engine anomaly.
It said the probe is in line with its statutory mandate and international obligations under ICAO Annex 13, as well as Nigerian civil aviation regulations.
In a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, the NSIB said the aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, experienced abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of the flight, prompting the crew to initiate emergency safety protocols.
She added that a preliminary assessment team was already en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew and relevant personnel, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.
“During the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines.
In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin”, the Bureau stated.
It stated that the aircraft landed safely at Benin Airport (BNI), and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident. “No injuries have been reported,” the statement added.
Preliminary visual assessments carried out at the diversion airport suggest “significant damage to the affected engine,” raising questions about the cause of the malfunction.
“The NSIB 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 Bureau stated.
A Preliminary Report is expected within 30 days, while a Final Report will be issued at the conclusion of investigations.
“The safety of passengers, crew, and the public remains our highest priority,” the NSIB assured, urging members of the public with relevant information to contact the Bureau through official channels.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
