Arik Air Boeing 737-700 diverts to Benin after engine failure, 80 unharmed

An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 diverted to Benin on February 11 after suffering a left-engine failure during descent, according to the airline and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF, was operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt when the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine while descending, the airline said. The flight crew shut down the engine as a precaution and diverted to Benin Airport, where the aircraft landed without further incident.

Arik Air said all 80 passengers and crew disembarked normally and that no injuries were reported. The airline arranged onward transport for the affected passengers.

The NSIB confirmed the aircraft experienced an in-flight engine anomaly and said preliminary observations at Benin indicated significant damage to the affected engine. Images show that sections of the left engine cowling separated during the event, with debris striking parts of the fuselage and the vertical stabilizer. The available imagery does not indicate structural damage severe enough to compromise control of the aircraft.

The bureau said it has launched a full investigation in line with its statutory mandate and ICAO Annex 13 standards. An assessment team has been deployed to secure the aircraft, document evidence, interview crew and witnesses, and recover flight data and cockpit voice recorder information. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737-7GL(WL), manufacturer serial number 34762, powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B22 engines. It first flew on October 25, 2007 and was delivered to Arik Air on December 4, 2007, according to Planespotters. 

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »