NCAA grounds Rano Air jet after midair engine loss, fire

A potential aviation disaster was averted on Sunday when the flight crew of a Rano Air aircraft, registration 5N-BZY, executed a textbook emergency landing after experiencing an engine failure midair during a scheduled service from Kano to Sokoto.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 3:05 p.m., involved the failure of engine 1, which triggered smoke alarms and caused visible smoke in both the cabin and the flight deck. Reacting swiftly, the pilots donned oxygen masks and followed established emergency protocols, maintaining communication with air traffic control and ensuring the safety of all onboard.

Thanks to the professionalism and composure of the flight crew, the smoke dissipated before touchdown, and the aircraft landed safely at 3:34 p.m. without any injuries reported among passengers or crew.

In response to the event, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the immediate grounding of the affected aircraft, in accordance with international aviation safety protocols. The directive was issued by the Directorate of Airworthiness, pending a full investigation into the cause of the engine failure. Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the NCAA, reaffirmed the regulator’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety.

“The NCAA prioritises safety. The records are clear. More advanced countries have worse air incidents than Nigeria because, here, flights will get cancelled if there is the slightest concern about safety,” he stated.

As a result of the grounding, plans to deploy a replacement aircraft to pick up stranded passengers in Sokoto were disrupted. The substitute jet had already boarded passengers for an Abuja-Katsina flight, prompting the cancellation of the Sokoto leg to avoid further logistical complications.

Engineers are currently conducting a detailed technical evaluation of 5N-BZY, which remains grounded.

Aviation experts have commended the crew’s response, calling it a demonstration of Nigeria’s growing reputation for strict adherence to safety protocols. The NCAA reiterated that while delays and cancellations may cause temporary discomfort, “passenger safety will always come first.”

The incident highlights the strength of Nigeria’s aviation safety framework and the critical role of professionalism and regulatory oversight in ensuring the wellbeing of air travellers.