The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a Rano Air aircraft with registration number 5N-BZY following an in-flight engine failure during a scheduled flight from Kano to Sokoto.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 30, the NCAA confirmed that the flight made an emergency air return after the crew reported smoke in both the cabin and flight deck, prompting an immediate response from air traffic control and ground emergency services.
The Directorate of Airworthiness, led by Victor Foyea, disclosed that standard safety procedures were promptly activated when the aircraft experienced the engine failure.
“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,” the NCAA stated.
Panic spread briefly among passengers and crew as the cabin filled with smoke mid-flight. However, the crew’s swift action and adherence to emergency procedures ensured a safe return and landing at Kano airport. Emergency response teams were on standby at the airport, but no casualties or injuries were reported.
As a precaution, the NCAA has ordered the grounding of the aircraft pending a full investigation into the cause of the engine malfunction. A scheduled Sokoto-bound flight operated by the same aircraft was immediately cancelled.
The aircraft remains grounded as engineers carry out diagnostics and initiate repairs.
Reassuring the public, the NCAA emphasized its unwavering commitment to passenger safety.
“Even more advanced countries experience air incidents. But in Nigeria, flights are grounded or cancelled at the slightest indication of safety concerns. Safety remains our top priority,” the agency said.
