Created Wednesday, Feb 11th 2026 17:39Z, last updated Friday, Feb 20th 2026 11:57Z
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700, registration 5N-MJF performing flight
W3-740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt (Nigeria) with 80 people on board, was climbing through FL270 out of Lagos when a loud bang occurred from the left hand engine (CFM56) followed by abnormal engine indications prompting the crew to shut the engine down and divert to Benin City (Nigeria), where the aircraft landed safely on runway 23 about 25 minutes later.
Nigeria's NSIB opened an investigation stating the engine received substantial damage.
On Feb 18th 2026 the NSIB added: "During the cruise phase of flight, the crew detected abnormal indications on one of the engines. In accordance with established safety procedures, the flight crew conducted a precautionary engine shutdown and diverted to the nearest suitable airport, Benin. The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. No injuries have been reported. Preliminary observations at the diversion airport indicate significant damage to the affected engine based on initial visual assessment."
On Feb 20th 2026 the NSIB added: "At about FL260 enroute Port Harcourt, the crew experienced a vibration accompanied by a loud bang from engine number 1. The crew stated that they secured the aircraft engine and diverted to Benin airport (DNBE). The aircraft left engine was damaged, the left engine cowling was also damaged and the vertical stabilizer." The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated.
The engine seen after landing:
Related Flight:
W3740,
Arik Air News
