Incident: NSIB Reviews Engine Maintenance Records Of Flybird Hawker 900XP Aircraft
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Hawker 900XP aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-KAL, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited stating that currently, further investigative actions are ongoing involving a review the maintenance records of the engines.
A statement from Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance says NSIB has also recommended conduct of detailed inspection of both engines to identify the fault(s) and the associated root causes of the failure and thrust anomaly.
The incident had occurred on December 6, 2024 during the aircraft’s climb out from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA), Abuja, en route to Kotoka International Airport (DGAA), Accra, Ghana. “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 aircraft landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 18:16 local time. All four occupants – three crew members and one passenger, disembarked unhurt, and no damage to the aircraft was reported.
The NSIB has recommended a detailed inspection of both engines to identify the root cause of the failure and thrust anomalies. Further review of the engine maintenance records is also ongoing,” states NSIB.
The investigation is still in progress, and the final report will provide comprehensive conclusions and safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety.
