In case you missed it, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a Rano Air aircraft with registration number 5N-BZY following an in-flight engine failure during a scheduled flight from Kano to Sokoto.
According to a press statement issued by the authority on Monday, the aircraft was forced to make an air return after the crew reported a malfunction in engine 1 to Air Traffic Control. Passengers and crew were alarmed after smoke was observed in both the cabin and flight deck, prompting emergency safety protocols.
The NCAA confirmed that oxygen masks were deployed and the pilot executed a safe landing without any immediate incident. Upon landing, the smoke dissipated naturally.
As a precaution, the regulatory body has grounded the aircraft pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the malfunction. The onward flight from Sokoto was also cancelled.
At the time of this report, the aircraft remains grounded in Kano as engineers prepare to carry out diagnostic inspections and repairs.
Reiterating its commitment to safety, the NCAA stated:
“The Rano aircraft 5N-BZY experienced a failure on its engine 1. Smoke was noticed in the cabin and flight deck. Oxygen masks were donned, and appropriate safety protocols were initiated for landing. The pilot safely landed the aircraft without incident.”
“More advanced countries have worse air incidents than Nigeria because, here, flights will get cancelled if there is the slightest safety concern.”
The NCAA assured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority.