On December 6, 2024, a FlyBird HS 125 aircraft, registered as 5NKAL, experienced a serious incident during a flight from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Kotoka International Airport, Accra. The aircraft, carrying four people, encountered technical difficulties involving both engines, forcing the crew to declare a Mayday and return to Abuja for an emergency landing. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) immediately launched an investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Their investigation will involve a comprehensive examination of the aircraft’s flight data, maintenance records, and interviews with relevant personnel.
The incident began as the aircraft climbed through flight level 240, heading towards its cruising altitude of flight level 280. At approximately 17:54 UTC, when the aircraft was about 25 nautical miles southwest of the VONUK navigational beacon, the crew reported an indication issue with the number two engine. Shortly thereafter, while still in the air, the aircraft lost complete power in engine number two, forcing the crew to request a diversion back to Abuja. This initial engine failure set off a chain of events that ultimately led to the loss of the second engine and the emergency landing.
As the aircraft descended towards Abuja airport, approaching an altitude of 5,000 feet, the crew issued a Mayday distress call, indicating that they had also lost power in engine number one. Despite the loss of both engines, the crew skillfully managed to land the aircraft safely at Abuja airport at 18:16 UTC. The successful landing under such precarious circumstances underscores the crew’s professionalism and training. The NSIB’s investigation will undoubtedly examine the crew’s actions during the emergency to identify best practices and areas for improvement in pilot training and emergency procedures.
The NSIB, as the primary agency responsible for aircraft accident investigations in Nigeria, has deployed a Go Team to collect evidence and analyze the circumstances surrounding the incident. Their investigation aims to determine the specific factors that contributed to the dual engine failure. This will include a thorough examination of the aircraft’s maintenance history, engine performance data, and the crew’s actions during the emergency. The NSIB will also consider external factors such as weather conditions and air traffic control communications to paint a complete picture of the event.
Beyond determining the immediate cause of the engine failures, the NSIB’s investigation will delve into systemic issues that may have contributed to the incident. This includes examining the maintenance practices of the airline operating the aircraft, as well as the regulatory oversight provided by aviation authorities. The investigation will also analyze the aircraft’s design and the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance procedures to identify any potential vulnerabilities that could lead to similar incidents in the future.
The NSIB’s commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation is crucial for maintaining public confidence in air travel. The findings from this investigation will be instrumental in developing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future incidents and enhancing aviation safety standards in Nigeria and potentially beyond. The NSIB has pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation and will publish a final report detailing their findings and recommendations. This report will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the airline, aircraft manufacturer, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that the lessons learned are incorporated into future safety practices.
