Rano Air Pilots Avert Mid-Flight Crisis as NCAA Grounds Aircraft Over Engine Failure

A prompt and professional response by Rano Air pilots helped avert a potential in-flight emergency yesterday after one of the airline’s aircraft, with registration number 5N-BZY, experienced an engine malfunction mid-flight.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 29, when the aircraft’s Engine 1 failed during flight. At exactly 3:05 p.m. (1505 hrs), the pilot reported the emergency to Air Traffic Control, triggering an immediate response from both the crew and ground operations.

Shortly after the engine failure, smoke was detected in both the cabin and the flight deck. Oxygen masks were automatically deployed as a precautionary measure, and the flight crew swiftly implemented standard emergency protocols. Despite the unsettling situation, the smoke gradually cleared, and the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely without further incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

In line with safety regulations, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), through its Directorate of Airworthiness, has grounded the aircraft until a thorough investigation is concluded. Technical teams are currently working on the aircraft, which remains on the ground.

Meanwhile, a contingency plan to dispatch a rescue aircraft to evacuate stranded passengers from Sokoto was disrupted. The standby aircraft had already been boarded by passengers on the Abuja–Katsina route, and deboarding those passengers to divert to Sokoto would have created operational complications. Consequently, the Sokoto flight was cancelled.

Reacting to the incident, the NCAA reiterated its unwavering commitment to air safety. “In Nigeria, we place safety above schedule,” said an NCAA official. “The decision to cancel flights or ground aircraft—even over the slightest technical concerns—demonstrates our proactive safety culture. Many advanced countries have experienced far worse incidents, but our response protocols are clear and effective.”

The aviation sector has commended the Rano Air crew’s handling of the situation and NCAA’s swift regulatory action, both of which reflect the resilience of Nigeria’s safety-first approach to aviation management.