The NSIB reports that 23 aircraft components were damaged during the Arik Air engine incident.

 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report following the February 11, 2026, engine incident involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 (registration 5N-MJF). 

The flight, W3-740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin City after a "loud bang" and severe vibrations from the left engine.

While all 80 passengers and seven crew members disembarked safely, the NSIB identified 23 distinct aircraft components or impact points that sustained substantial damage.

The number six fan blade was found broken off at the root. The remaining 23 fan blades were all found to be chipped or damaged.

The engine inlet cowling was missing entirely, and the inboard and outboard cowling covers were folded upward, exposing internal accessories.

Damage was recorded on the engine-driven pump (EDP), which was found loose, as well as the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) oil cooler and the anti-ice duct. Investigators found deep cuts (up to 7.2 inches) and visible cracks in the engine.

Large cuts and punctures were found on the left horizontal stabilizer (upper surface and leading edge) and the vertical stabilizer and there were cuts on the left wing leading edge and visible damage to the rudder surface.

The airframe sustained various dents and punctures from high-velocity engine fragments.

The NSIB is currently conducting metallurgical examinations of the broken fan blade to determine if the failure was caused by mechanical fatigue, foreign object debris (FOD), or a bird strike.

Although the crew tested negative for alcohol and drugs, and the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, the bureau is closely examining the maintenance history of the CFM56 engine.