An Arik Air Boeing 737 aircraft en route from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted to Benin Airport after developing an engine anomaly mid-flight.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, experienced abnormal engine indications while cruising.
According to the bureau, the flight crew identified the issue promptly and shut down the affected engine as a precautionary safety measure before diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
Safe Landing, No Casualties
The aircraft landed safely at Benin Airport, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB said it had commenced an investigation in line with international aviation safety standards.
Investigation Underway
The bureau disclosed that a team of investigators has been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft and collect critical evidence.
The team is expected to:
• Examine the aircraft
• Interview flight crew and relevant witnesses
• Retrieve and analyse the Flight Data Recorder (FDR)
• Recover the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
NSIB stated that it is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other aviation stakeholders to determine the root cause of the engine anomaly.
Preliminary Report Expected
The agency noted that a preliminary investigation report will be released within 30 days, while a final report will follow after a comprehensive technical analysis.
Aviation Safety Context
Engine shutdowns during flight are rare but are part of standard aviation safety protocols when abnormal parameters are detected. Commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 are designed to operate safely on one engine, allowing pilots to divert and land without compromising passenger safety.
The incident underscores the importance of crew training, real-time monitoring systems, and regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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