NSIB releases incident report of Flybird aircraft mishap  

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary investigation report of the incident involving a Hawker 900XP aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-KAL, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited. 

The Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, in a press statement issued on Friday in Abuja, said the incident occurred on December 6, 2024, while the aircraft’ was climbing out from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, en route Kotoka International Airport Accra, Ghana. 

The statement read, “During the climb at flight level 260, the crew reported hearing a loud bang from Engine Number 2, followed by a temperature increase and vibrations.

“The crew reduced engine power and declared an emergency, requesting an air return to Abuja. While descending, Engine Number 2 experienced a second temperature spike, and the flight crew later observed that Engine Number 1 was unresponsive to thrust commands.”

The statement stated that the aircraft landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 18:16 local time and that all four occupants – three crew members and one passenger, disembarked unhurt, and no damage to the aircraft was reported.

The NSIB, however, recommended a detailed inspection of both engines to identify the root cause of the failure and thrust anomalies, saying that “a further review of the engine maintenance records is ongoing and the final report will provide comprehensive conclusions and safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety

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