The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has grounded a Rano Air aircraft with registration number 5N-BZY, in Kano State, following an in-flight engine failure observed in its engine 1.
The NCAA noted that the Kano-Sokoto flight made an air return after reporting the situation to the Air Traffic Control. Smoke was noticed in the cabin and flight deck, creating tension amongst passengers and crew.
This was made known through a press statement from the authority on Monday.
According to the Directorate of Airworthiness at the NCAA, headed by Victor Foyea, Oxygen masks were donned. The appropriate safety protocols were initiated on the ground to ensure the aircraft’s safe landing.
Upon landing, the smoke dissipated and the aircraft was without an immediate incident.
The NCAA instructed that the aircraft will remain grounded until the conclusion of investigations into the cause of the glitch.
The authority noted that the aircraft that was scheduled to also airlift passengers out of Sokoto had been cancelled.
At the time of filing this report the aircraft 5N-BYZ is still on the ground with engineers planning to work on it.
The aviation regulatory body said it prioritises safety, ensuring the records are clear.
The statement partially reads, “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. The appropriate safety protocols were initiated on the ground for landing. Smoke dissipated. 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.”
