Aircraft Loses 2 Engines Minutes After Takeoff From Abuja

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the circumstances in which a Flybird operated HS 125 aircraft lost two engines minutes after take off from Abuja.

The aircraft which was on a charter service to Accra, Ghana had only one passenger with three crew members, the NSIB said in a statement obtained by GWG.ng

The aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL experienced technical difficulties during its flight on December 6 2024 the NSIB said.

Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji director, public affairs and family assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau in a statement on Sunday noted that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number 2 indication issue.

The statement also revealed that four persons were onboard when the Flybird aircraft lost its two engines. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.

The NSIB spokesman further said that the Flybird crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport despite the lost engines at 18:16 UTC. There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) wishes to inform the public that it has commenced an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5NKAL. The aircraft, operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA), experienced technical difficulties during its flight on December 6 2024.

Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft, with four persons on board (three crew members and one passenger), was climbing through flight level 240 en route to flight level 280 when the crew reported an engine number 2 indication issue. The aircraft was at a position approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK at 17:54 UTC when the crew requested a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication. The request was promptly granted, and the aircraft was cleared to descend to flight level 190.

During the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of engine No.2 at flight level 230. The crew elected to return to Abuja. On approaching Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, at approximately 5,000 feet, the crew declared Mayday, stating they had lost Engine No.1. The crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC. There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.

The NSIB has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the engine malfunction and the subsequent loss of both engines. Our Go Team is gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records to uncover underlying causes. This investigation aims to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji

Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau

GWG.ng reports that the Flybird aircraft management company is headquartered in Germany and the incidence of the loss of its two engines is the first time many Nigerians are hearing of the company.

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