On February 11, 2026, an Arik Air Boeing 737‑700 operating flight WP740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt experienced a catastrophic failure of its left engine mid-flight. Debris from the uncontained engine rupture struck the fuselage and tail of the aircraft, creating visible structural damage. Despite the severity of the incident, the flight crew successfully diverted to Benin Airport, where all 80 passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injury.

The incident, officially confirmed by Arik Air and aviation safety authorities, underscores the aircraft’s engineering resilience. Passenger-captured cabin footage and images of the damaged left engine nacelle and vertical stabilizer illustrate the significant impact of the engine failure while highlighting the 737’s design tolerance for such uncontained events. Aviation experts note that zero-casualty outcomes in similar situations are extremely rare, emphasizing the proficiency of the flight crew in managing an emergency of this scale.

Investigators from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have launched an inquiry into the cause of the engine failure, examining maintenance records, engine logs, and operational data from the flight. Preliminary assessments indicate that the failure was isolated to the left engine, and the aircraft’s redundant systems enabled the pilots to maintain control and complete a safe diversion.

Passengers on board reported hearing loud bangs and observing debris penetrating the fuselage, prompting a calm but rapid response from the crew. The successful handling of the emergency, coupled with the aircraft’s structural integrity, ensured that all occupants remained unharmed. Emergency services at Benin Airport were on standby and assisted with a prompt evacuation.

Arik Air has stated that it will cooperate fully with aviation authorities and conduct an internal review of its maintenance and operational procedures. The airline also commended the flight crew for their professional response under critical circumstances, noting that their training and adherence to safety protocols prevented a potential catastrophe.

The event serves as a reminder of the importance of aircraft design, crew preparedness, and emergency response coordination. While uncontained engine failures are extremely uncommon, the WP740 incident demonstrates that rigorous safety standards and effective pilot training can mitigate risks and protect passengers even in highly hazardous scenarios.