Arik Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Malfunction

An Arik Air flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an emergency landing in Benin City after an engine malfunction. The crew followed safety procedures, and all 80 passengers and crew disembarked safely. Investigators are assessing the engine and flight data, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.

Nigerian aviation authorities have initiated a full investigation after an Arik Air commercial flight was forced to divert and make an emergency landing due to a serious engine malfunction. The flight, which departed from Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, was en route to Port Harcourt, the oil-rich city in the Niger Delta, when the incident occurred. Passengers aboard the aircraft reported hearing a sudden “loud bang” from one of the engines, which caused alarm and necessitated immediate action by the flight crew.
The aircraft, operated by Arik Air, one of Nigeria's leading airlines, was diverted to Benin City, where it executed a safe emergency landing. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that abnormal engine indications were detected mid-flight. Following standard aviation safety protocols, the flight crew conducted a controlled shutdown of the affected engine and redirected the plane to the nearest suitable airport to ensure the safety of all on board.
NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, highlighted that the crew acted strictly in accordance with established safety procedures. She stated that the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. No injuries were reported. Preliminary inspections at Benin Airport indicated that the engine had sustained significant damage, emphasizing the seriousness of the malfunction.
Investigators have been deployed to Benin City to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview crew members, passengers, and other relevant personnel, and recover the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to assist in the investigation. The NSIB confirmed that a preliminary assessment team is on site to document the incident comprehensively and ensure all relevant data is collected for analysis.
Arik Air, through spokesperson Adebanjo Ola, explained that the flight crew responded promptly upon hearing an unusual sound emanating from the left engine while descending towards Port Harcourt. As a precautionary measure, the crew safely diverted to Benin, ensuring the safety of all 80 passengers and crew members on board. All passengers were safely disembarked, and arrangements were promptly made to transport them to their intended destination.
The NSIB has indicated that a preliminary report on the incident is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be issued after the completion of a thorough investigation. Aviation authorities are committed to determining the precise cause of the engine failure and will recommend appropriate safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, reinforcing the importance of adherence to aviation safety standards in Nigeria.