The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a Rano Air aircraft after it suffered engine failure and a fire scare mid-air. The aircraft, identified as 5N-BZY, experienced a critical failure in its left engine while in flight. Immediately, smoke filled both the cockpit and the passenger cabin, prompting the flight crew to activate emergency protocols.
Reacting swiftly, the pilot and crew donned oxygen masks and ensured all safety measures were in place. Thanks to their prompt action, the aircraft safely landed without any injuries or further complications. The NCAA confirmed that the emergency landing was successful and that passengers were safely evacuated.
Regulatory authority grounds aircraft indefinitely for investigation
Without wasting time, the NCAA’s Directorate of Airworthiness ordered that the aircraft remain grounded until a thorough investigation is completed. Engineers have already begun inspecting the aircraft to identify the cause of the engine failure and smoke incident.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the development on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to him, engineers are still working on the aircraft, and it will not be allowed to return to service until investigators determine its airworthiness.
Flight disruptions follow logistical complications
Following the emergency, Rano Air planned to deploy a rescue aircraft to evacuate passengers stranded in Sokoto. However, that aircraft had already boarded passengers scheduled for the Abuja-Katsina route. Rather than deboard those passengers, the airline decided to cancel the Sokoto-bound flight.
This disruption illustrates the operational strain airlines face during emergencies. Still, the NCAA emphasized that safety must always take precedence over scheduling convenience. Therefore, the Sokoto flight was suspended in line with standard protocol.
NCAA reinforces commitment to strict safety standards
Emphatically, the NCAA reaffirmed its uncompromising stance on aviation safety. Michael Achimugu stated that the authority would cancel any flight—even for minor safety concerns—rather than risk passengers’ lives. He noted that Nigeria’s proactive aviation safety culture is often more cautious than what exists in more developed nations.
By placing safety above all else, the NCAA continues to set high regulatory standards. The agency pointed out that even though more technologically advanced countries experience frequent incidents, Nigeria consistently enforces grounded aircraft policies when even the slightest issue arises.
Earlier Max Air grounding shows consistent enforcement
This latest action is not isolated. Earlier in January 2025, the NCAA suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations after a serious landing mishap at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. In that incident, a Boeing 737 with registration number 5N-MBD suffered a nose wheel collapse and rear tire burst upon landing.
In response, the NCAA grounded Max Air for three months. During that period, the airline underwent a full economic and safety audit. Eventually, the agency cleared Max Air to resume flights on March 17, 2025—but only under strict post-clearance surveillance.
The Max Air case showed how the NCAA does not hesitate to impose strict penalties on airlines that pose potential safety threats. The agency made it clear that protecting passengers takes priority over commercial interests.
NSIB takes charge of technical investigation
Immediately after the Rano Air emergency, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) launched a full investigation to determine the root cause of the engine failure and smoke incident. Investigators are currently reviewing flight data, maintenance records, cockpit communications, and onboard systems.
Until NSIB completes its findings, the NCAA has confirmed that aircraft 5N-BZY will remain grounded. This precaution ensures the flying public stays protected while the aviation community learns from the incident.
Experts call for improved maintenance and training standards
Meanwhile, aviation experts are urging airlines to enhance aircraft maintenance routines and improve crew training. While the safe landing proves that current emergency procedures work, the incident also highlights the need for regular inspections, predictive diagnostics, and real-time engine monitoring systems.
Experts further recommend that airlines schedule simulation-based emergency drills for pilots and cabin crew. These exercises would boost response time and preparedness during unexpected mid-air crises.
Passengers demand greater accountability from airlines
Passengers have expressed deep concern over rising safety issues in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Many travelers are now demanding transparency from airlines, including public release of aircraft maintenance logs, incident reports, and future safety plans.
For passengers, safety must not be negotiable. Several have voiced the need for airlines to improve communication during emergencies and disclose the steps they are taking to prevent future incidents. These demands reflect growing expectations for better accountability across the aviation industry.
NCAA maintains safety-first approach to protect passengers
In conclusion, the NCAA’s decision to ground Rano Air’s aircraft once again confirms its commitment to putting safety first. The agency acted quickly, enforced the right protocols, and launched an immediate investigation. By prioritizing passenger safety and initiating a full investigation, the NCAA continues to show why it remains a leading aviation authority in West Africa.
Going forward, the agency pledged to strengthen oversight, enforce regulations more rigorously, and ensure all Nigerian airlines operate with the highest safety standards. With incidents like this, the NCAA sends a clear message—passenger lives come before anything else, and every airline must comply fully or face swift consequences.
