Arik Air’s engine failure damaged 23 aircraft components – Investigators

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) yesterday released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, operated by Arik Air Limited, which experienced an explosion on one of its engines. The incident took place on February 11, 2026 during a scheduled […]

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) yesterday released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, operated by Arik Air Limited, which experienced an explosion on one of its engines.

The incident took place on February 11, 2026 during a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The investigation bureau revealed that the mid-air engine failure caused extensive damage to at least 23 components of the aircraft, showing the severity of the incident.

In a preliminary report released by the bureau, investigators said the aircraft, registered as 5N-MJF, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Port Harcourt International Airport when the incident occurred on the morning of February 11, 2026.

The aircraft, carrying 87 passengers including seven crew members, had climbed to flight level 260 and was heading toward FL290 when the crew suddenly heard a loud bang from the left engine. 

The noise was immediately followed by intense vibration and a grinding sound, signalling a serious mechanical problem.

According to the NSIB, the malfunction caused the aircraft to veer slightly to the left and begin losing speed, forcing the pilots to disengage the autopilot and take manual control of the aircraft.

The first officer, who was the pilot flying at the time, worked with the captain to stabilise the aircraft while assessing the condition of the engine. After confirming severe damage to the number-one engine, the crew shut it down in line with emergency procedures and declared a Mayday to air traffic control.

Air traffic controllers subsequently advised the pilots to divert to the nearer Benin airport in Benin City rather than continue the journey to Port Harcourt.

The aircraft landed safely in Benin about 30 minutes after the emergency declaration, allowing all passengers and crew to disembark without injuries.

However, a detailed post-incident inspection carried out by investigators revealed the extent of the damage caused by the engine failure.

According to the report, the number six fan blade inside the aircraft’s CFM56-7B engine broke off during flight, triggering a chain reaction that damaged several other parts of the engine and aircraft structure.

Investigators found that the engine inlet cowling was missing, while the remaining 23 fan blades were chipped and damaged. The engine cowling covers were also forced open, exposing internal engine components.

Further examination showed deep cuts and cracks on the engine containment case, missing outlet guide vanes, damage to the engine-driven pump and a broken anti-ice duct. The exhaust assembly also sustained visible damage, while the engine oil tank filler cap was missing.

Beyond the engine itself, fragments from the failed blade struck other sections of the aircraft, causing dents, punctures and structural damage.

Investigators documented cuts on the left wing leading edge, damage to the left-hand vortex generator, and damage to the Integrated Drive Generator oil cooler. The inner and outer thrust reversers were also affected.

Additional damage was recorded on the aircraft’s air-conditioning bay fairing, horizontal stabiliser, vertical stabiliser, and rudder surface, indicating that debris from the engine failure struck multiple areas of the aircraft during the incident.

Despite the severity of the mechanical failure, the NSIB commended the flight crew for handling the emergency professionally, noting that communication with air traffic control remained effective throughout the incident.