Amanze Chinonye
An Arik Air Boeing 737 aircraft en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt was forced to divert to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected an engine malfunction mid-flight, Prime Business Africa reports.
The aircraft, a 737-7GL with registration number 5N-MJF operating flight W3 740, encountered the issue during the cruise phase of the journey, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The Bureau said the pilots observed abnormal readings from one of the engines and promptly initiated standard emergency procedures, including shutting down the affected engine as a precaution. The crew then opted to reroute the aircraft to Benin, identified as the nearest suitable airport.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe plane touched down safely without further complications. All 80 passengers and crew members onboard disembarked normally, and there were no reported injuries.
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In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the NSIB disclosed that an initial visual inspection carried out after landing indicated substantial damage to the affected engine.
The agency confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched in line with its statutory responsibilities and global aviation safety protocols under ICAO Annex 13. An investigative team has been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather physical evidence, interview crew members and other relevant witnesses, and retrieve data from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
The NSIB added that it is collaborating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other aviation stakeholders to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a comprehensive final report will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
