80 passengers safe as Arik Air Plane makes emergency landing in Benin

All 80 passengers on board an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 flying from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Wednesday escaped without injury after the aircraft was forced to divert and make an emergency landing at the Benin Airport following a reported engine problem.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later verified that the incident caused “significant damage” to one of the plane’s engines.

In a statement, Arik Air spokesperson, Adebanjo Ola, explained that the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the crew noticed an unusual occurrence.

He said the aircraft was on descent into Port Harcourt when the flight crew heard a loud sound from the left engine, which prompted them to immediately activate safety procedures.

“As a precautionary measure, the crew made a safe diversion to Benin after hearing a loud bang on the left engine during descent,” Ola said.

He added that the aircraft touched down safely at Benin Airport and that all passengers and crew members were evacuated without any complications.

Ola further confirmed that none of the passengers or crew sustained injuries, noting that arrangements had been put in place to transport affected passengers to their intended destination.

“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked. Arrangements have been made to convey the affected passengers to their final destination,” he added.

The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and restated its commitment to passenger safety.

“We sincerely apologise to the affected Port Harcourt passengers whose journey has been disrupted. The safety and well-being of our passengers is always our priority at Arik Air,” the statement said.

Also reacting, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that the aircraft suffered an in-flight engine malfunction.

She said abnormal readings were detected on one of the engines, leading the crew to shut it down as a precaution and divert to the nearest suitable airport in Benin, where the plane landed safely.

“In line with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries were reported,” Oladeji said.

The NSIB disclosed that it had launched a comprehensive investigation in line with its legal responsibilities and international aviation standards under ICAO Annex 13.

“Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment,” the Bureau noted.

It also revealed that an assessment team had been dispatched to Benin to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.

According to the Bureau, a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while a final report will be issued after the investigation is concluded.