An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt made an emergency diversion to Benin Airport on Wednesday after the crew detected a loud bang from one of the aircraft’s engines during descent.
The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and operating flight W3 740, was approaching Port Harcourt International Airport when the left engine reportedly emitted a loud sound, prompting the pilots to initiate precautionary procedures.
According to Arik Air spokesperson Adebanjo Ola, the crew shut down the affected engine and diverted safely to Benin. All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked without injury, and arrangements were made to transport them to Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, describing it as an in-flight engine anomaly. The agency disclosed that preliminary visual assessment at the diversion airport indicated “significant damage” to the affected engine.
NSIB said a team had been deployed to Benin to secure the aircraft, recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information, and interview relevant personnel as part of a full investigation in line with ICAO Annex 13 standards.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
