By Bayero Ade
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL, which lost both engines mid-flight.
The aircraft, en route from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, encountered technical failures on December 6, 2024.
According to preliminary reports, the crew reported an issue with engine number 2 while climbing to flight level 280, approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of the VOR station VONUK. Shortly after, they requested an emergency return to Abuja, which was granted.
As the aircraft descended to flight level 190, engine number 2 failed at flight level 230. The situation worsened when engine number 1 also failed at approximately 5,000 feet as the plane approached Abuja. The crew declared a Mayday emergency but managed to land safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 18:16 UTC.
All four individuals on board—three crew members and one passenger—escaped unharmed, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, confirmed the incident and announced that investigations are ongoing. She noted that the first engine failure was reported while the aircraft was climbing through flight level 240.
The NSIB has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident. Further updates are expected as the probe continues.
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