The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has 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 showing not less than 23 wreckages and impact on the aircraft.
The report presented information gathered so far, including details from the flight crew, air traffic control communications, flight recorders, and initial examination of the aircraft.
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.
During the flight, the crew reported an abnormal engine event, which prompted emergency procedures and a diversion to the nearest airport – Benin. The aircraft landed safely, and all occupants onboard disembarked without injuries.
Read also: Arik Air Boeing 737 makes emergency diversion to Benin after mid-air engine damage detected
NSIB’s preliminary report shows 23 wreckages which impacted the aircraft’s engine, fan blades and airframe.among several others.
According to the report, the engine inlet cowling was 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 and the 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 and 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 and the anti-ice duct was broken, and part of it was missing,” the report shows.
According to the report, 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, there was damage to the inner and outer thrust reversers and
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. There was visible damage on the rudder surface,” the report added.
According to the report, the No. 6 fan blade of number 1 engine was missing upon landing at Benin.
Report on the crew show that the flight crew were licensed to conduct the flight,
the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, the First Officer was the pilot flying while the Captain was 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 also showed that there was effective communication between the ATC and the flight crew and the crew tested negative for alcohol, drugs and other psychoactive substances.
