The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed that it has commenced investigation into a serious incident involving an aircraft that was on a flight to Accra, Ghana on 6 December, 2024.
The NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made the disclosure in a release dated 7 December, 2024.
As stated in the release by NSIB, preliminary information indicated that the aircraft had four persons on board, including three crew members and one passenger.
“It 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.
“The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190,” NSIB stated.
It was further revealed that, during the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of engine No. 2 at flight level 230. The crew thus elected to return to Abuja.
“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. There were no injuries reported and all individuals on board are safe,” it was added.
NSIB stated that the investigation of the incident was aimed at determining 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.
“This investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” NSIB stated.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is a multimodal transport agency charged with the mandate of promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.
Its aim is to identify probable causes of incidents of accidents and advocate for safety improvements based on its findings.