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.
The initial findings indicated that the flight crew were certified to conduct the flight while the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
A statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said the preliminary report showed that the flight crew heard a loud bang and observed a rise in Number 2 engine temperature while passing FL 260 for FL 280.
Mrs Oladeji stated that the investigation is still in progress, and the final report will provide comprehensive conclusions and safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety.
According to the report: “The Inter-Turbine Temperature (ITT) for Engine Number 2 spiked to 1014ĖC. The flight crew noticed vibrations from Engine Number 2. The flight crew declared an emergency and requested to make an air
return (divert) to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA).
The flight crew executed the Engine Failure checklist. The Inter-Turbine Temperature (ITT) for Engine Number 2 spiked the second time to 1098ĖC.
During Approach, the flight crew noted that engine Number 1 was not responding to thrust commands. 5N-KAL landed DNAA at 18:16 h. After landing, the flight crew noted that engine number 1 responded to thrust commands.”
The aircraft taxied to the International Terminal and was parked without further incident.
The agency conducted detailed inspection of both engines to identify the fault(s)
and the associated root causes of the failure and thrust anomaly and review the maintenance records of the engines.
The incident 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 full preliminary report containing initial findings, is available for download on the NSIB website.
