The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the Arik Air’s aircraft incident, which occurred on Wednesday en route Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Omagwa, from the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The NSIB in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said that the aircraft, a Boeing 737-7GL with the registration number: 5N-MJF, experienced an “in-flight engine anomaly,” which prompted the pilot to divert the flight to Benin Airport.

According to the statement, during the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines and in accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, which was Benin.

No fewer than 80 passengers were onboard as of the time of the incident.

Oladeji explained that preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicated a significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment.

The statement added: “In line with its statutory mandate and in accordance with international standards under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 and applicable Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the occurrence.

“A preliminary assessment team is en route to Benin to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview relevant personnel and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information.”

NSIB said it was working closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air and other relevant stakeholders to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors.

The bureau also said that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, while a final report would be published at the conclusion of the investigation.

An earlier statement by the Public Relations & Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, said that the pilot diverted to Benin after the crew heard a loud bang on the left engine of the flight W3 740.

According to Ola, the aircraft was on its decent to Port Harcourt airport when the incident happened.

He, however, said that there were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked.

The statement added: “Arrangements have been made to transport the affected passengers to their final destination.

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