From Sola Ojo, Abuja
A Rano Air 5N-BZY aircraft experienced a significant engine failure while en route, triggering an emergency response that involved visible smoke in both the cabin and flight deck.
Despite the alarming situation, the crew successfully executed emergency protocols, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.
According to initial reports, the engine failure occurred in the aircraft’s engine 1, prompting a noticeable presence of smoke within the cabin and flight deck.
In response, the flight crew swiftly donned oxygen masks as per standard operating procedures to protect themselves and the passengers.
The aircraft’s emergency protocols were immediately initiated, and the crew maintained full control of the situation while preparing for a precautionary landing.
The aircraft was safely brought back to the ground without further incident, and all passengers were unharmed.
Authorities quickly took charge, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Directorate of Airworthiness ordered that the aircraft 5N-BZY remain grounded pending a thorough investigation into the incident.
The aircraft, which had already taken on passengers bound for Abuja and Katsina, would have faced operational difficulties had it been required to deboard those passengers; as a result, the flight from Sokoto was ultimately cancelled.
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, in his X space on Monday, reiterated the authority’s commitment to safety in Nigerian aviation, emphasising that the records are clear.
“More advanced countries have worse air incidents than Nigeria because here, flights will get cancelled if there is the slightest concern about safety,” Achimugu stated.
He assured the public that the investigation into the engine failure of 5N-BZY would be conducted thoroughly, and that all steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such an event.