Factual Information
On 11 February 2026, at about 07:35 h local time, a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with registration 5N-MJF, operated by Arik Air Limited, was on a scheduled passenger flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt. The aircraft carried 7 crew and 80 passengers.
History of the Flight
The flight departed at 07:24 h under an instrument flight rules plan. The first officer was pilot flying, the captain pilot monitoring. At 07:25:04 h, the lead cabin crew reported a hissing sound from the L1 door, which the crew attributed to the door seal. At 07:28:17 h, air traffic control cleared the aircraft to climb to flight level 290.
During climb, passing flight level 260 for flight level 290 in visual meteorological conditions, a loud bang was heard, followed by severe vibration and abnormal grinding noise from the engine. The aircraft veered left and began decelerating while maintaining climb attitude. The autopilot was engaged but the crew disconnected it and adjusted pitch to maintain control. After assessing engine parameters, the crew determined severe damage to the No. 1 engine. They performed an engine shutdown per the quick reference handbook and declared a mayday, informing ATC of the emergency and intention to return. ATC advised diversion to Benin Airport due to proximity; the crew agreed.
At 07:36:52 h, control was transferred from the first officer to the captain. At 07:39:21 h, the first officer noted Benin was 40 miles away. The lead cabin crew was briefed on the emergency, diversion, and procedures. At 07:43:13 h, ATC cleared direct to Benin. The crew contacted Benin Tower at 07:47:58 h and were cleared for an ILS approach to runway 23. While approaching Benin at about 5,000 ft, the crew performed an orbit to lose height and complete checklists. The aircraft landed safely at 08:06:07 h on runway 23, with normal touchdown, thrust reverser No. 2 deployed, and autobrake setting 3. The aircraft backtracked and parked. All passengers disembarked normally without injuries.
Injuries to Persons
No fatalities, serious injuries, or minor injuries were reported among the 7 crew, 80 passengers, or others.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
At the time, Benin Airport reported calm wind, visibility 2,000 m to 4,000 m, broken clouds, and haze. The ILS and VHF frequencies were serviceable, but the VOR/DME was unserviceable. The runway was 2,400 m long with asphalt surface and approach lights.
Flight Recorders
The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were retrieved and their data downloaded successfully.