An Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba experienced a potentially disastrous incident on Friday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. 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 problem occurred moments after the plane had accelerated on the runway, when a loud bang was heard and flashes of light were seen. Fortunately, no fire broke out, and the pilot’s swift action ensured the aircraft returned safely to the terminal.
All passengers were disembarked calmly, though eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and relief. Some passengers broke into prayers and songs of thanksgiving after the plane stopped. A passenger who witnessed the incident said the pilot acted professionally and quickly: “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.”
As of the time of reporting, Air Peace had not issued an official statement. However, airport sources 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 in line with aviation safety standards. No injuries or damage were reported.
The incident highlights the importance of swift action and professional training in preventing potential disasters. It also serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry. The NCAA investigation will likely shed more light on the cause of the engine failure and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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