The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Hawker 900XP aircraft, with nationality and registration marks SN-KAL, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited.
The Bureau made the disclosure in a press release by its Director Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji.
Recall that the incident occurred on 6 December, 2024, during the aircraft’s climb out from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, en route to Kotoka International Airport (DGAA), Accra, Ghana.
NSIB reported that during the climb at flight level 260, the crew reported hearing a loud bang from Engine Number 2, followed by a temperature increase and vibrations.
The crew reduced engine power and declared an emergency, requesting an air return to Abuja.
While descending, Engine Number 2 experienced a second temperature spike and the flight crew later observed that Engine Number 1 was unresponsive to thrust commands.
The report added that during the post-occurrence interview, the flight crew stated that Engine Number One regained response to thrust commands after landing.
The report detailed: “At 17:51:13h, while climbing out of FL 260, the crew heard a loud bang from Engine Number Two. According to the flight crew, Engine Number Two’s temperature indication was increasing. After reducing the engine’s power to idle, the crew felt vibrations from the same engine.
“While descending, Engine Number Two experienced a second temperature spike, and the flight crew later observed that Engine Number One was unresponsive to thrust commands.”
The report stated that the flight was operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), with a fuel endurance of four hours and thirty minutes.
NSIB stated that tphe aircraft landed safely at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 18:16 local time. All four occupants three crew members and one passenger, disembarked unhurt, and no damage to the aircraft was reported.
“The NSIB has recommended a detailed inspection of both engines to identify the root cause of the failure and thrust anomalies. Further review of the engine maintenance records is also ongoing.
“The full preliminary report, containing initial findings, is available for download on the NSIB website.
“The investigation is still in progress, and the final report will provide comprehensive conclusions and safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety,” it was stated in the release.
The 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.
The aim of the Bureau “is to identify probable causes and advocate for safety improvements, based on our findings.”
For further enquiries or media requests, NSIB can be contacted through info@nsib.gov.ng and NSIB Nigeria on its social media platforms.
