An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 (Flight W3 740) diverted to Benin Airport on Feb. 11 after the crew heard a loud bang and observed damage to the left engine. All 80 people on board disembarked safely with no injuries. Video shows the engine cowling torn and internal parts exposed; the Aviation Safety Network reported a suspected "number one engine failure" at roughly 27,000 ft and possible fan-blade loss. Authorities and Arik Air are investigating.
Arik Air 737 Makes Emergency Diversion After 'Loud Bang' — Engine Cowling Torn and Fan Blade Possibly Lost
Terrifying Video Shows Plane Flying with Shredded Engine After Crew Hears ‘Loud Bang’ Mid-Flight
An Arik Air Boeing 737-700 operating Flight W3 740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt diverted to Benin Airport on Feb. 11 after crew members reported a "loud bang" and observed visible damage to the left engine. All 80 passengers and crew disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.
What Happened
According to the carrier, the flight was on descent to Port Harcourt International Airport when the operating crew "heard a loud bang on the left engine" and elected to divert to Benin Airport as a precautionary measure. Video shared online during the flight shows the engine inlet area charred and a section of the engine cowling hanging loose, exposing internal components to the airstream while passengers reacted inside the cabin.
Viral Press
Damage Observed
After the emergency landing, observers documented a large portion of the engine cowling torn away and flapping in the wind. The Aviation Safety Network reported a "number one engine failure" while the aircraft was cruising at about 27,000 feet and noted that one fan blade appears to be missing — a sign consistent with a possible Fan Blade Off (FBO) event. Photos also showed damage to the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer.
Response and Investigation
Arik Air confirmed there were no injuries and that arrangements were made to transport affected passengers to their final destination. The airline apologized to passengers for the disruption and reiterated that safety is its top priority. Aviation authorities, working with the airline, will examine flight data, maintenance records and the damaged components to determine the cause and sequence of events that led to the engine failure.
Note: Video footage of the in-flight damage circulated online and was widely shared on social media and by Viral Press; investigators will rely on official inspections and technical data to reach conclusions.
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