Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun an investigation into a serious incident involving a Fly Bird HS 125 aircraft with registration number 5N-KAL, which lost both engines shortly after takeoff from Abuja en route to Ghana.
The NSIB, in an official statement issued on Sunday, described the incident as a “serious occurrence,” confirming that the aircraft, operating a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Kotoka International Airport, Accra experienced technical difficulties on December 6, 2024.
Preliminary findings revealed that the aircraft, with four persons on board — three crew members and one passenger — encountered its first engine issue while climbing to flight level 280.
At approximately 25 nautical miles southwest of VOR station VONUK, the crew reported an “Engine No. 2 indication issue” at 17:54 UTC and sought clearance to return to Abuja.
According to the NSIB, the request was granted promptly, allowing the aircraft to descend to flight level 190.
However, during the descent, the aircraft experienced the loss of Engine No. 2 at flight level 230. The situation escalated as the crew initiated an emergency return to Abuja.
“At approximately 5,000 feet, while approaching Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the crew declared a Mayday, reporting a loss of Engine No. 1,” the statement noted.
Despite the dual engine failure, the crew successfully landed the aircraft safely at 18:16 UTC.
The Bureau confirmed that all individuals on board escaped unhurt, with no injuries reported.
“The NSIB has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the root causes of the engine malfunction and the subsequent loss of both engines,” the statement read.
The agency disclosed that its “Go Team” is currently gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and analyzing the aircraft’s flight data and maintenance records.
