An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 aircraft was diverted to Benin after an engine failure. NSIB detected severe damage in the left engine and launched an official investigation.
In Nigeria, a Boeing 737-700 passenger aircraft belonging to Arik Air was diverted to Benin Airport on 11 February due to a malfunction in its left engine during landing. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) announced that severe damage had occurred in the engine and stated that an official investigation had been launched in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 standards.
Explosion sound heard during landing
The Boeing 737-7GL (WL) registered 5N-MJF was operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt when a loud explosion sound was heard from the left engine during the landing phase.
According to Arik Air’s statement, the flight crew shut down the engine in accordance with procedures and diverted the aircraft to Benin Airport as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely.
It was reported that all 80 passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely and that no injuries occurred. The airline stated that alternative transportation arrangements were made for the passengers.
Severe damage in the left engine
Initial examinations conducted by NSIB confirmed that an abnormality occurred in the left engine during the flight. Preliminary observations carried out in Benin indicated that the engine had sustained severe damage.
Images from the time of the incident show that some sections of the left engine cowling detached and that debris struck the aircraft’s fuselage and vertical stabiliser. However, current findings indicate that no critical structural damage occurred that would endanger control of the aircraft.
Comprehensive examination under ICAO standards
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau announced that it had launched a comprehensive technical investigation within its legal authority and in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 standards.
Within this scope:
- The aircraft has been secured
- Physical evidence will be documented
- Interviews will be conducted with crew and witnesses
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data will be examined
- The preliminary investigation report is expected to be published within 30 days.
Technical information about the aircraft
The aircraft in question:
- Model: Boeing 737-7GL (WL)
- Serial Number: 34762
- Engines: 2 × CFM International CFM56-7B22
- First Flight: 25 October 2007
- Delivery: 4 December 2007 (Arik Air)
Technical information about left engine is needed.