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How Arik Air Pilot, Cabin Crew Saved 80 Passengers In Recent Mishap
How Arik Air Pilot, Cabin Crew Saved 80 Passengers In Recent Mishap
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On February 11, about 80 passengers reportedly survived what could have been a deadly plane crash on Nigerian soil, following an engine fault on an aircraft operated by Arik Air.
The aviation firm said its Boeing 737-700 aircraft operating a Lagos-Port Harcourt flight on Wednesday diverted to Benin airport after the crew “heard a loud bang from the left engine”.
The flight W3-740, with registration number 5N-MJF, was said to be descending into Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, when the incident occurred.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), currently investigating the incident, said preliminary observations indicated significant damage to the affected engine.
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Following the “in-flight engine anomaly” — as described by the NSIB — the crew was said to have conducted a precautionary engine shutdown “in line with established safety procedures, and diverted to Benin airport.
“There were no injuries to passengers and crew as all 80 passengers on board were safely disembarked,” Arik Air had said in a public communication.
‘THE LONGEST 14 MINUTES OF MY LIFE’
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The trip began like any other: a smooth climb, normal cabin sounds, and the quiet comfort of believing everything was routine, a source who was on the flight told TheCable.
“We were ascending steadily, and for a while, nothing felt out of place. Until it happened,” the source said.
What followed, she said, was a sudden, terrifying bang and the aircraft instantly began to “vibrate violently, threateningly”.
“I turned toward the window, and what I saw froze me. Panic erupted,” the source said.
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“The cabin filled with confusion, voices trembling, and cries of “Jesus!” echoing everywhere. In that moment, fear became a physical thing. Heavy and suffocating.
“I remember asking myself quietly: “Is this how I will depart this earth?”
Bracing for “the worst” amidst the chaos, she said a “tall dark lady — calm, composed, likely the lead cabin crew — emerged after consulting with the cockpit and spoke to the passengers”.
The cabin crew member was said to be “human and reassuring” in her speech, which the passenger said carried control — “something stronger than words”.
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“She told us we were safe [and] explained that the crew was handling the situation professionally and that we would be landing at an alternate airport in about 14 minutes,” the source said.
“It sounded short, but I can tell you honestly — it was the longest 14 minutes of my life.
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“Yet, minute by minute, something changed. The fear began to loosen its grip.
“Not because the situation was pleasant… but because the crew was extraordinary.”
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She said the Arik flight crew remained composed, attentive, and courageous “throughout what felt like an ugly episode”.
According to the source, the passengers were guided “with procedure and empathy”.
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In the account of another passenger, the incident was described as a “loud explosion” that triggered “panic and screams” in-flight.
“Some people were praying and calling on the name of Jesus. I noticed a lot of concern around those sitting by the window,” he said.
“But the Captain assured us, and the calmness of the cabin crew members was a bit reassuring, though the tension remained. We are so grateful to God that we landed safely and there [were] no casualties nor any injury.”
‘SAFE LANDING DUE TO PILOT’S EXPERIENCE, CALM JUDGEMENT’
While this outcome has been described as a “miracle” in some quarters, industry bigwigs attributed it to the captain’s competence.
Rather than luck or the intervention of some metaphysical forces, Alex Nwuba, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria (AOPAN), linked the safe landing to the pilot’s experience on the Boeing 737, his background with Aero Contractors and Mobil Aviation, and years of recurrent training.
“He didn’t rely on luck; he relied on training, procedures, and calm judgment,” Nwuba said.
Speaking to TheCable, Ebenezer Soji Amusan, an aviation expert, said the pilot in command handled the situation professionally and deserves credit for a job well done.
He also attributed the outcome to the captain’s competence.
“We should be proud of him as a Nigerian pilot,” he said.
Amusan, however, said such incidents happen in airline operations globally, noting that pilots worldwide are trained to handle them whenever they occur.
Arik
“That is why their training is known to be very rigorous and they must obtain international accreditation before flying an aircraft. It’s not a local or national affair. It’s international,” the author said.
ENGINE UNCONTAINED FAILURE AND CAUSES
The incident, which has since been described mainly as a “loud bang or explosion” and an “in-flight engine anomaly”, is known as an engine uncontained failure (EUF) in the aviation industry.
The EUF happens when internal engine parts disintegrate and exit the engine casing at high speed.
While EUFs are rare, experts said such incidents are not new and occur in the aviation industry globally.
Providing a historical context, Akin Olateru, ex-director-general of the NSIB, said past engine uncontained failures recorded in the industry were “due to fatigue failure of the blades”.
“Sometimes it could be improper maintenance by the engineer. Another thing that could have happened is due to human error. A lot happens under human error,” he said.
WHY ARIK MISHAP WASN’T FATAL
Available literature suggests that EUFs can be deadly because engine debris can exit at high speeds in other directions.
This, according to SKYbrary, an electronic repository of aviation safety knowledge, could pose potential danger to the pressurised aircraft structure, adjacent engines, the integrity of the flight control system and, possibly, “directly to the aircraft occupants”.
Olateru said one good thing about the Arik mishap was that there was no fuselage penetration.
“If there were to be a fuselage penetration, that would have led to depressurisation. And definitely, that would probably have led to fatality,” the aviation professional said.
“So, the pilot did a very good job. The moment they noticed this occurrence, they went straight to the next airport, which was Benin.”
A GLANCE AT GLOBAL OCCURRENCES AND NSIB’S TASK
Although EUFs have been adjudged a rare phenomenon in aviation, multiple global media reports show that engine problems are not uncommon with the Boeing 737 aircraft.
In April 2018, the left engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 exploded, hurling pieces of the cowling in all directions. A fragment reportedly hit a window, causing an explosive decompression that partially sucked a passenger out of the plane. The passenger later died from injuries.
In 2025, a jet owned by the same airline suffered an engine failure and safely diverted to a nearby airport.
ABC News, on April 19, 2025, reported that a Southwest Airlines flight heading to Cabo San Lucas from Houston, Texas, was forced to return and make an emergency landing due to an engine issue.
In addition, the cowling — the protective covering of a plane engine — on a Southwest Airlines aircraft fell off during takeoff in April 2024, and struck the plane’s wing flap.
Although the reported cases were linked mostly to the same airline, the incidents occurred on the Boeing 737 aircraft family.
Yet, Olateru insists that the incidents are not particular or restricted to the 737 aircraft, emphasising that “We’ve had a history of the same problem with other aircraft”.
“I don’t think anybody should worry about 737. The aircraft is safe,” the expert said.
However, he advised the NSIB to ensure that there are no larger issues with the aircraft worldwide that could pose a threat to airlines.
“Is there anything that could affect all 737 engines that has the same issue? Something that is a threat to all operators around the world,” the former NSIB chief said.
“So that’s one thing I expect NSIB to look at, because that’s the whole essence of accident investigation, to prevent a reoccurrence.
“So, you need to look and be sure that there is no larger issue in this occurrence. There is nothing that could affect the operation of the 737 engine.”
As Nigerians await the report of the NSID, Olateru re-echoed the position of many stakeholders who believe the Arik Air pilot and cabin crew should be honoured.
“I give it to the crew on the flight. They didn’t panic,” he said, explaining that dealing with emergencies requires “being solid and in control”.
“They took the right decision [and] diverted the airplane to the nearest airport.”
News
NAF, Oyo Deepen Strategic Partnership To Advance Aviation Capability, Security And National Development
NAF, Oyo Deepen Strategic Partnership To Advance Aviation Capability, Security And National Development
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Oyo State Government have taken significant steps towards strengthening institutional collaboration following a visit by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SK Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, on Friday, 24 July 2026.
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Discussions focused on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate strategic cooperation in the operation and maintenance of the Oyo State Government’s newly acquired Diamond DA-42 aircraft, reinforcing a shared commitment to enhancing aviation capability, security and sustainable development.
Governor Makinde expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its unwavering support to Oyo State, particularly its vital role during the recent rescue operation involving abducted students in Oriire Local Government Area.
He commended the professionalism and dedication of NAF personnel, noting that the Service’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) personnel operated tirelessly, day and night, to provide critical situational awareness that significantly supported the operation.
The Governor further observed that the intelligence and operational insights shared by the Nigerian Air Force have also provided valuable perspectives that will help shape the State’s technology-driven security architecture and future security initiatives.
He also appreciated the Service for supporting the accommodation of the State’s aircraft and expressed the desire to expand collaboration in aviation operations and post-service housing initiatives for the benefit of both institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Air Force, describing the proposed partnership as a reflection of the Service’s professionalism, operational excellence and enduring relationship with the people of Oyo State. Air Marshal Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the State Government in areas of mutual interest, assuring that the necessary frameworks would be explored to facilitate a mutually beneficial collaboration.
NAF, Oyo
He further commended Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to continue fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen national security, promote innovation, enhance personnel welfare and accelerate socio-economic development.
Eereporter.com
CDS Charges Air-To-Ground Integration Graduands To Strengthen Joint Operational Capability
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged newly qualified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) to apply their specialised skills in strengthening joint military operations and enhancing operational effectiveness across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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Represented by the Director Liaison, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Garba Bello, the CDS gave the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Advanced Air-to-Ground Integration Course 4/2026 held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.
He emphasised that effective air-ground integration remains indispensable in today’s complex security environment, as it enhances mission success while reducing the risks of friendly fire and collateral damage.
He also commended the successful evolution of the programme into a fully indigenous training capability delivered by Nigerian instructors, describing it as a major milestone in building sustainable national capacity for joint operations in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s commitment to strengthening jointness, mission-oriented training and operational excellence.
A total of 53 personnel comprising 16 JTACs and 37 Joint Fire Observers (JFOs) drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force successfully completed the intensive 16-week programme.
Through rigorous classroom instruction, simulation exercises and practical field training culminating in live Close Air Support missions using A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the participants acquired the expertise required to coordinate close air support, facilitate effective joint fires integration, and provide accurate targeting information that enhances commanders’ decision-making and the effective employment of joint fires.
The enhanced capability is expected to improve the precision, responsiveness and effectiveness of joint operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats across the country.
Earlier, the Director General, Air Power Centre of Excellence, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, described the graduation as another significant milestone in institutionalising doctrine-driven air-to-ground integration and developing a specialised cadre capable of strengthening the vital link between air power and surface forces.
Also speaking, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Air Vice Marshal Garba Ibrahim Jibia, noted that the graduates are now equipped with the knowledge, procedures and interoperability required to coordinate joint fires in accordance with established operational doctrine.
CDS Charges Air-To-Ground Integration Graduands
The ceremony featured a live air-to-ground targeting demonstration, a video presentation of field exercises, and the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding graduands, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to developing a highly professional, mission-ready and interoperable force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
Eereporter.com
Arsenal Moves For Vinicius Jr As Real Madrid Push For Diomand
Arsenal are exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, while the Spanish giants are reportedly advancing their efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
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Sky Sports News on Saturday reported that there has been no club-to-club contact between Arsenal and Real Madrid over Vinicius, but the Premier League club’s interest is genuine.
The Brazilian is one of several forwards Arsenal are exploring, with Julian Alvarez, Diomande and Bradley Barcola also among their options.
Vinicius, 26, has entered the final year of his contract with Real Madrid. If an agreement cannot be reached on a new deal, the Spanish club could be open to selling him rather than risk losing the Brazil international for free next summer.
The situation has also been linked to Real Madrid’s interest in Diomande.
Sky Sports, Talk Sports and other reports said the Spanish club had an £85.4m bid rejected by RB Leipzig for the 19-year-old Ivorian winger, while Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest.
A report carried by Yahoo Sports said the developments could provide a boost to Arsenal’s hopes of signing Vinicius, with the Brazilian potentially open to a move if Real Madrid complete a deal for Diomande as his replacement.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Diomande has reportedly intensified, with talkSPORT reporting that the club is advancing its efforts to sign the winger after its initial bid was rejected.
The report said Diomande had initially preferred a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the lack of a completed agreement between PSG and Leipzig had left room for Madrid to pursue the deal.
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith described a potential move for Vinicius as a “jaw-dropping addition” for Arsenal.
“It’s well known Arsenal are aiming to strengthen their left-wing options this summer – but a deal for Brazil ace Vinicius Junior would be a jaw-dropping addition,” Smith said.
Vinicius was runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting and is regarded as one of Real Madrid’s leading attacking players.
He has also been named one of the club’s captains for the new season, according to Brazilian outlet ge, which reported that he would wear the armband in the absence of Federico Valverde.
The report also noted that Vinicius’ relationship with new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had been in focus.
“However, it is understood the player and head coach have been in touch since an incident last season which saw Vinicius Jr abused by Mourinho’s Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni and that the pair were ready to start this new campaign together with a clean slate.
“But with Arsenal’s interest being reported, there is now the possibility Vinicius Jnr will be kicking off the 2026/27 season in the Premier League,” the report said.
Arsenal have been looking to strengthen their left-wing options this summer.
The club sold Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m and signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m, while Gabriel Martinelli scored one Premier League goal last season.
Arsenal Moves For Vinicius Jr
Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius remains exploratory, with no club-to-club contact reported, while Diomande is being pursued by Real Madrid and has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
A move for Diomande could therefore have implications for the transfer market around Vinicius, although no deal has been agreed for either player.
Eereporter.com
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