NCAA Grounds Rano Air Aircraft After Safety Scare
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed the immediate grounding of Rano Air aircraft 5N-BZY following an incident involving engine failure.
This action underscores the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining strict safety oversight across all airlines operating in Nigerian airspace.
The aircraft, operated by Rano Air, experienced a malfunction in Engine 1, which resulted in smoke entering the cockpit and cabin. The flight crew promptly donned oxygen masks and executed emergency protocols to ensure a safe landing.
The situation was brought under control before touchdown, and the aircraft landed safely under the captain’s command.
The Directorate of Airworthiness has ordered the grounding of the aircraft pending a comprehensive investigation. Technicians are currently inspecting the plane to determine the root cause of the malfunction and the source of the smoke infiltration.
The incident disrupted scheduled passenger travel, particularly affecting a planned flight segment from Sokoto. A rescue aircraft assigned to the Abuja–Katsina route could not detour to Sokoto without incurring substantial delays, resulting in the cancellation of the Sokoto leg to preserve passenger safety and avoid broader scheduling complications.
Despite the inconvenience, the NCAA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on safety lapses, emphasizing that the protection of human lives takes precedence over operational disruptions.
The regulator also noted that Nigeria maintains a strong aviation safety record, even within the context of a developing market. NCAA officials pointed out that countries with more advanced aviation infrastructure often report more frequent and severe incidents than Nigeria.
The Authority stressed that Nigerian flights are proactively cancelled at the slightest indication of a potential hazard, in line with global aviation standards.
Further updates will be provided upon conclusion of the full investigation into aircraft 5N-BZY.
Rano Air is expected to accommodate affected passengers in accordance with its consumer rights obligations.
