Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5NKAL after it almost crashed minutes after take-off.

The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, stated that the aircraft, operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Kotoka International Airport, Accra experienced technical difficulties during its flight on Friday.

Preliminary information, according to NSIB, indicates that the aircraft, with four persons on board (three crew members and one passenger), was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280 when the crew reported an engine number 2 indication issue.

She said, “The aircraft was at a position approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC when the crew requested a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication. The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190.

“During the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of engine number two at flight level 230. The crew elected to return to Abuja. On approaching Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, at approximately 5,000 feet, the crew declared Mayday, stating they had lost Engine number one. The crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC. There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.”

The bureau stated that it launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the engine malfunction and the subsequent loss of both engines.

They said, “Our Go Team is gathering evidence, conducting interviews and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to uncover underlying causes. The investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety.

“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”