The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the commencement of an investigation into a serious incident involving an Abuja-Accra flight that encountered technical difficulties mid-air.
The aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL, was operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), on December 6, 2024, when the incident occurred.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, revealed that initial findings indicate the aircraft experienced an issue with its No. 2 engine.
The statement noted that the flight had four people on board, including three crew members and one passenger. Upon encountering the issue, the crew requested to divert back to Abuja and were granted clearance.
Mrs Oladeji added that the aircraft safely landed at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC. No injuries were reported, and all individuals on board were unharmed.
Full statement:
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) wishes to inform the public that it has initiated an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5NKAL. The aircraft was en route from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), when it experienced technical difficulties on December 6, 2024.
Preliminary information indicates that while climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280, the crew reported an engine No. 2 indication issue. At approximately 17:54 UTC, 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK, the crew requested a diversion to Abuja. Clearance to descend to flight level 190 was promptly granted.
During the descent, the aircraft lost engine No. 2 at flight level 230. As the crew approached Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at around 5,000 feet, they declared a Mayday, reporting the loss of engine No. 1. Despite these challenges, the crew managed to land the aircraft safely at 18:16 UTC.
The NSIB has launched a thorough investigation into the incident to identify the causes of the engine malfunctions and the subsequent loss of both engines. A dedicated Go Team is collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance history to prevent similar occurrences and strengthen aviation safety.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau