Benin City, February 12 - An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt encountered a serious left engine malfunction mid-flight on February 11, 2026. The aircraft, registered 5N-MJF and performing flight W3 740, was descending toward its intended destination when the flight crew reported hearing a loud bang from the left engine, accompanied by abnormal indications. In line with standard emergency procedures for Boeing 737 engine failure scenarios, the pilots promptly shut down the affected powerplant and initiated an immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport, Benin City. This swift response underscores the robust training and protocols that enable safe handling of in-flight engine malfunctions on commercial jetliners like the popular Boeing 737-700 series.
An Arik Air Boeing 737-7GL aircraft suffered an uncontained engine failure mid-flight on Wednesday while operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, according to confirmation from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
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The aircraft, registered as… pic.twitter.com/1FuK81Eam7
The incident occurred during a routine Nigerian domestic route, highlighting how even well-maintained aircraft can face unexpected mechanical issues. Preliminary observations upon landing revealed significant damage to the left engine, including a missing inlet, torn cowlings, and evidence suggestive of a fan blade-related event that rendered the engine inoperable. Despite the severity of the malfunction, the twin-engine configuration of the Boeing 737-700 allowed the aircraft to maintain controlled flight on its remaining engine, demonstrating the design's inherent redundancy for such contingencies. The diversion proceeded without further complications, and the aircraft touched down safely at Benin Airport shortly after the event.
All 80 passengers and crew members disembarked normally with no injuries reported, reflecting the effectiveness of crew resource management and the aircraft's safety systems in managing Boeing 737 engine failure situations. Ground arrangements were quickly made to transport the passengers onward to Port Harcourt, minimizing disruption to travel plans. Aviation authorities, including the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, have launched a formal probe to determine the root cause of the left engine major malfunction and assess any contributing factors.
This event serves as a reminder of the rigorous safety standards governing commercial aviation, where immediate diversion protocols for engine issues prioritize passenger and crew protection above all else. Incidents like this Boeing 737-700 engine malfunction reinforce ongoing maintenance vigilance and regulatory oversight to ensure the continued reliability of aircraft operating in demanding environments. Investigations will provide valuable insights to prevent recurrence and uphold the exceptional safety record of modern jet transport operations.