Delta Airlines has issued a statement that it is working with the Nigerian aviation regulators to investigate a fire incidence in one of its flights from Nigeria.
Yesterday, a Delta Airlines said in a statement by its local spokesperson, Mr. Tope Awe, said the A330-200 had an issue with one of its two engines.
“The flight landed safely and customers exited the aircraft on the runway via emergency slides.
“Airport fire authorities met the aircraft upon arrival. Delta’s customers were bussed back to the terminal. Delta is aware of five customers reporting non-critical injuries as a result of the evacuation.
“Delta teams have provided overnight hotel accommodations to customers and will rebook customers on an alternate Delta aircraft Wednesday afternoon.”
Describing the mishap, Sam Adurogboye of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) explained that the classification was in line with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The aircraft with registration number N858NW with 219 passengers on board took off from the Lagos Airport at about 9.51p.m. Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) on Tuesday, February 13, when the crew noticed abnormal engine conditions in one of the two engines.
He said the aircraft’s pilot made an air return after declaring emergency at 9.51 pm UTC.
The statement said: “Some of the passengers, who sustained injuries, were rushed down to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja for prompt medical attention.
“In line with safety standards, the international Runway (18R) was promptly closed to traffic while the domestic Runway (18L/36R) was opened to other flights for emergency operations.
“However, at time 0020UTC (1:20 am local time), the international Runway (18R) was reopened to traffic after the aircraft was evacuated from the runway and a runway sweeping and inspection conducted.”
It added: “This incident was classified as serious incident in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) classification, and investigation was handed over to Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).
“The flight has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 14, 2018 and affected passengers are already being checked in for departure.
“The NCAA wishes to commend the prompt response of airport safety Services and other stakeholders.
“NCAA wishes to reassure the travelling public, airlines and other aviation stakeholders of her continued commitment to Aviation safety and security.”
Adurogboye said the pilot acted in accordance with the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) by making an air return.
