Date: March 13, 2026
Reporter: Dalena Reporters
Nigeria’s aviation safety authorities have confirmed that an Arik Air passenger flight traveling from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced a serious mid-air engine failure, forcing the pilots to declare an emergency and divert the aircraft to another airport.
The confirmation came in a preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which detailed the circumstances surrounding the incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by Arik Air.
Engine Failure Triggers Emergency Diversion
According to the report, the aircraft was operating a scheduled domestic flight on February 11, 2026, departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and heading to Port Harcourt International Airport.
While climbing to a cruising altitude, the flight crew reportedly heard a loud bang followed by severe vibration from the aircraft’s left engine. The situation forced the pilots to immediately declare an emergency and begin diversion procedures.
The aircraft, carrying seven crew members and about 80 passengers, was redirected to Benin Airport, where it landed safely without any injuries reported among those onboard.
Extensive Damage Discovered
Following the emergency landing, investigators discovered significant damage to the aircraft’s engine and several other components.
The NSIB report revealed that:
- The engine inlet cowling was missing
- One of the fan blades had broken off
- The remaining fan blades were chipped and damaged
- Several parts of the engine casing and aircraft structure suffered cuts, cracks, and punctures.
Investigators documented at least 23 different impact points across the engine and airframe, indicating the severity of the mechanical failure during the flight.
Aircraft Classified as “Substantially Damaged”
Despite the frightening mid-air incident, aviation authorities confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and no passengers or crew were injured. The NSIB however classified the aircraft as “substantially damaged.”
Investigators also noted that the flight crew were properly licensed and qualified, and the aircraft held a valid certificate of airworthiness before the incident occurred.
Investigation Continues
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said the preliminary findings were based on flight data, air traffic control communications, and physical inspection of the aircraft. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the engine failure.
Aviation experts say incidents like this highlight the importance of quick decision-making by pilots and strict aviation safety procedures, which helped prevent what could have been a major aviation disaster.
For the passengers aboard the flight, the incident ended safely — but it serves as a reminder of the critical role of maintenance, monitoring systems, and emergency training in modern aviation safety.