An Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba experienced a potentially disastrous incident on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. As the aircraft prepared for take-off, one of its engines reportedly failed, prompting the pilot to abort the departure and taxi back to the terminal.

The incident occurred moments after the plane had accelerated on the runway, when a loud bang was heard, accompanied by flashes of light. Fortunately, there was no fire outbreak, and the pilot’s swift action ensured the safe return of the aircraft to the terminal. All passengers were disembarked calmly, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of panic and relief. Some passengers broke into prayers and songs of thanksgiving after the plane came to a stop.

According to a passenger who witnessed the incident, the pilot acted professionally and swiftly. “We had gained full speed on the runway when we suddenly heard a loud bang. The plane shook slightly, and there was a flash. The pilot then calmly announced that there had been an engine failure and that we were returning to the terminal,” the passenger said.

As of the time of reporting, Air Peace had not issued an official statement on the incident. However, sources at the airport confirmed that engineers were inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to launch an investigation into the incident, in line with aviation safety standards.

No injuries or damage were reported, and the incident highlights the importance of swift action and professional training in preventing potential disasters. The Air Peace flight incident is a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry. The investigation by the NCAA will likely shed more light on the cause of the engine failure and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.