TheNewsGuru.com reports that Aero Contractors flight NG316 from Port Harcourt International airport to Lagos on Tuesday, April 18, was engulfed in smoke about 20 minutes after take-off, causing panic among the passengers. But, the smoke was first spotted by a passenger who immediately notified the cabin crew.
Panicked travellers could smell something burning about 20 minutes after take-off and smoke then began to fill the aircraft and alarms went off. "This was reported to the Captain, who promptly announced to passengers accordingly but with firm assurances of safe landing in Lagos, stating that minutes after that announcement, normal descent was initiated into Lagos". While they were on board, an engine caught fire in the middle of the flight, and the smoke that filled the cabin set off the fire alarms.
They also contacted the air traffic control at exactly 1655GMT, requesting for emergency support services and proceeded to Lagos, which is the airport with the full complement of emergency support.
The Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi in an interview with Channels TV said the smoke started in the cargo section of the aircraft and got into the cabin through the air-conditioning system.
He said investigation into the incident is ongoing. Media Consultant of the airline, Simon Tumba, said preliminary findings were contrary to stories being spread on the social media, adding that the pilot and the entire crew had been commended for professionalism displayed in handling the situation.
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Recounting the horror, passenger Ishaq Akintola claimed: "We saw smoke outside the plane, probably coming from the engine compartment".
A passenger on the flight said passengers suspected the plane, with flight number VL 2102, was faulty before takeoff, but they were assured by the pilot and the crew that all was well.
He said the captain also announced to the passengers to be calm as the smoke in question did not present any irritation or discomfort.
A spokesman for the airline told Sahara Reporters that everything appeared to be normal during a routine pre-flight check of the plane.
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