An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating Flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted safely to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the flight crew detected an engine problem mid-air.
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was on its descent toward Port Harcourt International Airport when pilots heard a loud bang from the left engine and decided to divert as a precautionary safety measure.
All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked without injury after the aircraft landed at Benin. There were no reported casualties or serious injuries, according to the airline’s statement.
Photos shared by media outlets showed the aircraft on the tarmac with significant damage to one of its engines, though the fuselage and cabin remained intact.
Investigation underway
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed it has launched an inquiry into the incident.
According to the Bureau, abnormal engine indications were detected during flight, prompting the flight crew to shut down the affected unit and divert to the nearest suitable airport without further incident.
NSIB said it will secure the aircraft, interview crew and witnesses, and retrieve data from the flight and cockpit voice recorders as part of the probe.
A preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days, followed by a detailed final report.
Arik Air apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and confirmed that arrangements are being made to transport them onward to their intended destination, reinforcing that passenger safety is the airline’s top priority.
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