The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), on Friday has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-MJF, operated by Arik Air Limited.
NSIB, disclosed that findings indicated that the first officer was the pilot flying, while the captain was the pilot monitoring, and climbing through FL 260 to FL 270, the flight crew heard a loud bang and grinding noise, followed by vibrations from the first engine.
The occurrence took place on 11 February 2026, during a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt.
The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Arowojobe in a statement revealed that the crew declared MAYDAY, called ATC, and diverted to Benin City airport, as No. 6 fan blade of number 1 engine was missing upon landing at Benin.
She said during the flight, the crew reported an abnormal engine event, which prompted emergency procedures and a diversion to the nearest airport – Benin.
She, “On 27 March, 2025, an engineering order was issued by Arik Air Ltd. to implement the following references: CFM 56-7B-SB-72-1033; FAA AD 2018-26-01 and EASA AD 2019-0018 No. B737 -004 -2018 R02 dated 15 October, 2020 on the subject: CFM 56-7B engines Fan blades – Dovetail repetitive Ultrasonic inspection.
“The report of the Non- Destructive Test (NDT) inspection IAW SB72-1033 rev04 carried out by G2 Metric, France, on CFM 56 -7B serial number 805612 indicated that “No defect found on 24 blades inspected of the engine SN 805612. Authorised Release Certificate EASA FORM 1 was duly issued to that effect.
“On 30 March, 2025, a maintenance entry in respect of the task carried out on the left FAN blade ultrasonic inspection IAW WO – 5N- MJF/FO1338 was recorded in the technical logbook and duly certified by a certifying engineer”.
Continuing, Arowojobe said, “The aircraft landed safely, and all occupants onboard disembarked without injuries.
“The preliminary report presents the factual information gathered so far, including details from the flight crew, air traffic control communications, flight recorders, and initial examination of the aircraft.”