NCAA grounds Rano Air plane after mid-air engine failure

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a Rano Air plane after a mid-air engine failure and fire scare.

The aviation regulator noted that the Kano-Sokoto bound flight operated by the airline made an air return following the incident on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

The fire scare was noticed on the flight deck and created panic among passengers.

NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu said the pilots of the plane marked 5N-BZY reported the incident to air traffic controllers and necessary steps were activated for emergency landing.

Achimugu said, “The Rano aircraft 5N-BZY experienced a failure in its engine.

“Smoke was noticed in the cabin and flight deck. Oxygen masks were donned.

“The appropriate safety protocols were initiated on the ground for landing. Smoke dissipated. Pilot safely landed the aircraft without incident.

“The NCAA Directorate of Airworthiness instructed that the aircraft 5N-BZY remain grounded until the conclusion of investigations.”