The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the Arik Air Boeing 737-700 that diverted to Benin Airport after experiencing an in-flight engine anomaly while operating a Lagos–Port Harcourt service on Wednesday.
The aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, encountered abnormal engine indications during the cruise phase of flight, forcing the crew to carry out a precautionary engine shutdown before diverting safely to Benin.
NSIB said the aircraft landed without incident and all passengers and crew disembarked normally, with no injuries reported.
Preliminary visual inspection at Benin Airport, according to the Bureau, indicates significant damage to the affected engine.
In a statement, NSIB explained that it has deployed a team to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview crew and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information in line with international standards under ICAO Annex 13.
“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 contributing factors,” the Bureau said.
It added that a preliminary report would be released within 30 days, while a final report would follow at the conclusion of the investigation.
NSIB assured the public that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority and urged anyone with relevant information on the occurrence to contact the Bureau through official channels.