The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has issued a preliminary report on an aviation incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by Arik Air, shedding light on events that led to an emergency diversion earlier this year.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft with registration number 5N-MJF experienced a serious engine-related problem during a scheduled domestic flight on February 11, 2026.
The aircraft had departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and was heading to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt when the abnormal event occurred.
Details contained in the NSIB report indicate that the cockpit crew heard a sudden loud bang followed by unusual grinding sounds coming from one of the aircraft’s engines.
The disturbing noise was accompanied by noticeable vibrations that quickly alerted the pilots to a potential mechanical failure.
Following the unexpected engine disturbance, the flight crew immediately began emergency response procedures in line with aviation safety protocols.
The pilots issued a MAYDAY distress call to air traffic control and informed authorities of the developing situation.
Mrs. Funke Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, disclosed this in an official statement released in Abuja.
She explained that the pilots requested clearance to divert to the nearest safe airport after determining that continuing the journey could pose a safety risk.
Air traffic control directed the aircraft to land at the airport in Benin City, which was the closest suitable facility at the time.
The aircraft landed safely without injuries to passengers or crew members.
After the aircraft touched down, initial inspection revealed that one of the fan blades in the number one engine was missing.
Investigators believe the missing blade likely contributed to the engine malfunction that forced the emergency diversion.
The NSIB report also provided insight into the flight conditions when the incident occurred.
At the time of the abnormal engine event, the aircraft was climbing from flight level 260 to flight level 270.
During that stage of the flight, the first officer was acting as the pilot flying, while the captain performed the duties of pilot monitoring. This division of responsibilities is standard in commercial aviation operations.
Despite the sudden mechanical problem, investigators noted that the crew handled the situation professionally and followed proper procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
In addition to analyzing the incident itself, the NSIB reviewed the maintenance history of the aircraft’s engines.
The investigation revealed that an engineering directive had been issued by Arik Air in March 2025.
This directive required compliance with specific inspection procedures for CFM56-7B engines, particularly focusing on the fan blades.
The inspections were part of safety recommendations from global aviation regulators including the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
According to records cited in the report, a non-destructive test using ultrasonic technology was conducted on the engine blades by a maintenance provider in France.
The inspection covered 24 fan blades associated with the engine involved in the incident.
Results from the test indicated that no visible defects were detected at the time of the inspection.
An Authorized Release Certificate, commonly known as EASA Form 1, was subsequently issued confirming the blades met required safety standards.
The maintenance activity was also officially recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook, where it was signed and certified by an authorized engineer after completion.
The NSIB emphasized that the document released to the public represents only preliminary findings.
Investigators are still analyzing evidence gathered from several sources including pilot statements, air traffic control communications, and data retrieved from the aircraft’s flight recorders.
Technical examination of the affected engine components is also continuing as experts attempt to determine exactly what caused the fan blade to fail during the flight.
The agency noted that the purpose of the preliminary report is to present verified facts discovered so far while the investigation remains underway.
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