The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has revealed that at least 23 components of the aircraft sustained damage following an abnormal engine event mid-flight.
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This was contained in a preliminary report on the incident involving a Boeing 737-700 operated by Arik Air, made available by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistant of the bureau, Mrs Funke Arowojobe, on Friday.
The affected aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, was operating a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport on February 11, 2026, when the incident occurred.
Photos of the incidents sighted by our correspondent showed serious impacts on the plane.
According to the report, the crew experienced an abnormal engine event during the flight, prompting the pilots to initiate emergency procedures and divert to the nearest airport in Benin City, where the aircraft landed safely without injuries to passengers or crew members.
The bureau stated that the preliminary report contains information gathered so far from multiple sources, including flight crew accounts, air traffic control communications, flight recorder data and initial physical examination of the aircraft.
Findings from the inspection revealed extensive damage to the aircraft’s engine and surrounding structures, with the report documenting no fewer than 23 wreckage impacts affecting different components.
According to the report, the engine inlet cowling was missing and the number six fan blade of the engine was broken with the root still attached.
The report noted that the remaining 23 fan blades were chipped and damaged, while both the inboard and outboard engine cowling covers were folded upward, exposing the engine accessories.
Under the wreckage and impact information section of the reports, the Bureau listed the 23 impacts on the aircraft as a result of the incident, including: “Engine inlet cowling missing; Number 6 fan blade of engine was broken with the root left attached.
“The remaining 23 fan blades were all chipped off and damaged; Inboard and outboard engine cowling covers were folded upward, exposing the engine accessories; The engine-driven pump (EDP) clamp was found loose; A deep cut about 0.6 inches long on the containment case was observed at the 2 o’clock position; A long, deep cut about 7.2 inches on the containment case was observed at the 1 o’clock position.
“Cracks were observed on the exterior of the engine case containment; The Outlet Guide Vanes (OGV) at 5, 6, and 7 o’clock positions were missing; the engine-driven pump sustained damage; there was visible damage on the exhaust assembly; The engine oil tank filler cap was missing; the anti-ice duct was broken, and part of it was missing; The left-hand vortex generator was damaged; The Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) oil cooler was damaged.
“There were dents and punctures at various locations on the airframe; Damage to the inner and outer thrust reversers; There were cuts on the Left wing leading edge; the left-wing air conditioning bay fairing was damaged; The left horizontal stabilizer leading edge was damaged; the upper surface of the horizontal stabilizer was damaged, with large cuts; the vertical stabilizer leading edge was damaged and there was visible damage on the rudder surface.”
The investigation also revealed that the sixth fan blade of engine number one was missing when the aircraft landed in Benin City.
Details contained in the report indicated that the flight crew were properly licensed to conduct the operation and the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness at the time of the incident.
The First Officer served as the pilot flying, while the Captain acted as the pilot monitoring.
“While climbing through FL 260 to FL 270, the flight crew heard a loud bang and grinding noise, followed by vibrations from the No. 1 engine. The crew declared MAYDAY, called Air Traffic Control (ATC), and diverted to Benin City airport,” the report stated.
The bureau also confirmed that communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers remained effective throughout the emergency.
Post-incident tests further showed that the crew tested negative for alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances as investigations into the cause of the incident continue.
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