Arik Air flight W3 740 made a precautionary diversion to Benin Airport on February 11, 2026, following an in-flight engine anomaly. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft, registration 5N-MJF, was descending into Port Harcourt when the crew heard a loud bang from the left engine. Consequently, the captain initiated safety procedures and diverted W3 740 to the nearest suitable airport.
The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Benin and all 80 passengers disembarked without injury. According to PR and Communications Manager, Adebanji Ola, safety remains the carrier’s overriding priority. He explained that arrangements were swiftly made to transport affected passengers to Port Harcourt, thereby reducing further disruption after the W3 740 incident.
“Arik Air’s Boeing 737-700 (5N-MJF) aircraft operating flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted to Benin Airport after the crew heard a loud bang on the left engine.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a formal probe into the W3 740 occurrence. In a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau confirmed the aircraft experienced abnormal engine indications during flight. As a precaution, the crew shut down the affected engine before diverting safely.
NSIB Investigates W3 740 Engine Anomaly
The NSIB stated that preliminary visual assessment at Benin indicated significant damage to the affected engine. However, investigators emphasised that the safe landing of W3 740 reflects adherence to established emergency procedures. The Bureau has since deployed a team to secure the aircraft, gather evidence, and retrieve flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder information.
In addition, investigators will interview crew members and relevant witnesses to reconstruct events leading to the W3 740 diversion. The NSIB is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air, and other stakeholders. Under ICAO Annex 13 provisions, a Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days, while a Final Report will follow at the conclusion of the investigation.
The Bureau reiterated that passenger safety remains paramount and encouraged anyone with relevant information on W3 740 to contact its official channels. Therefore, aviation stakeholders expect a thorough technical review of the engine components, maintenance history, and operational decisions made during the flight.
The W3 740 incident once again highlights the importance of crew training and strict regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s aviation sector. However, industry observers note that precautionary diversions are not uncommon when abnormal engine indications occur. Modern Boeing 737 aircraft are certified to operate safely on a single engine when necessary, provided established procedures are followed.
As investigations into W3 740 continue, operational focus remains on transparency and compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. Meanwhile, Arik Air has apologised to affected passengers and reaffirmed its commitment to safe operations. The coming weeks will determine the technical cause of the engine anomaly and whether additional safety recommendations will follow.
