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An Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba narrowly avoided a potential disaster on Friday after one of its engines reportedly failed while preparing for take-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred moments after the aircraft had accelerated on the runway when a loud bang was heard, accompanied by flashes of light. Fortunately, there was no fire outbreak.
The pilot immediately aborted the take-off and safely taxied the aircraft back to the terminal, where all passengers were calmly disembarked.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and relief, with some passengers breaking into prayers and songs of thanksgiving after the plane came to a stop.
One passenger told Zagazola Makama that the pilot acted swiftly and professionally.
“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 there had been an engine failure and that we were returning to the terminal,” the passenger said.
As of the time of filing this report, Air Peace had yet to issue an official statement, though sources at the airport confirmed that engineers were inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction.
No injuries or damage were reported, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to launch an investigation in line with aviation safety standards.
Following an investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQQ, operated by Air Peace Limited, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has disclosed that the Air Peace flight crew showed positive results for alcohol and cannabis.
The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, at Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, stated: “Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis.”
According to her, the results were being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.
