NSIB begins probe as Abuja-Accra bound flight loses engines midair
By Babagana Jidda
Kanempress
December 8, 2024
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB says it has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft.
The aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), experienced technical difficulties during its flight on December 6 2024.
Reports said that the aircraft lost its two engines in the course of the flight and returned to Abuja.
The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB,
Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji
confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Mrs Oladeji said preliminary information indicated that the aircraft, with four persons on board (three crew members and one passenger), was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280 when the crew reported an engine number 2 indication issue.
The aircraft was at a position approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC when the crew requested a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication,” she said.
The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190, Mrs Oladeji noted.
According to the preliminary findings, during the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of engine No.2 at flight level 230.
The crew were directed to return to Abuja and on approaching Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, at approximately 5,000 feet, the crew declared Mayday, stating they had lost Engine No.1.
The crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
Mrs Oladeji said there were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
She stressed that the Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the engine malfunction and the subsequent loss of both engines.
“Our Go Team is gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to uncover underlying causes,” Mrs Oladeji said.
“This investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the bureau concluded.
