An Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba narrowly avoided disaster on Friday when it experienced an engine failure during take-off preparations at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident occurred as the aircraft was accelerating on the runway when a loud explosion and flashes of light alarmed passengers and crew.
The pilot promptly aborted the take-off and safely returned the plane to the terminal, where all passengers were evacuated without injuries. Eyewitnesses reported moments of panic onboard, with some passengers praying and others expressing gratitude for the safe handling of the emergency.
A passenger recounting the experience described a sudden loud bang followed by the pilot’s calm announcement about the engine failure. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that an investigation has been launched in line with aviation safety protocols.
Air Peace has yet to release an official statement, but airport engineers are currently inspecting the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. No damage or fire outbreak was reported.