The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an investigation into a serious incident involving a FlyBird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5NKAL.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the aircraft was operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, on December 6, 2024, when it experienced technical difficulties.

The incident reportedly occurred as the aircraft, with four persons on board, was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280. The crew reported an engine No. 2 indication issue approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC and requested to return to Abuja.

Findings by the NSIB revealed that the aircraft lost engine No. 2 at flight level 230.

As the aircraft approached Abuja Airport at about 5,000 feet, the situation escalated when the crew declared a Mayday, reporting the loss of engine No. 1. Despite the challenges, the crew managed to land the aircraft safely at 18:16 UTC.

The NSIB announced that its investigative team is currently gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to determine the causes of the incident.

“Our Go Team is gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to uncover the underlying causes,” the NSIB stated.

The bureau added that the investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and improve aviation safety, promising to provide further updates as new information emerges.