US-bound plane with 256 onboard develops technical fault, returns to Lagos
A Boeing 787-8, departing Lagos for Washington Dulles reportedly declared an emergency and returned to Lagos.
According to PUNCH Online, the plane crew kept the emergency transponder code 7700 (Emergency signal) with the control tower until it landed after establishing a return track to Lagos.
The aircraft, registered N27903, is a widebody aircraft that is over 13 years old and is operated by United Airlines, a US airline.
It was originally headed for Washington Dulles International Airport.
Three pilots, eight flight attendants, and 245 passengers were on board. It was reported that some of the passengers were injured.
Due to the flight’s unsteadiness, videos and images from the distraught passengers in the plane, revealed that food and bags were strewn all over the place.
As of the time this report was filed, the true cause of the chaos was still unknown, but the passengers believe it was an engine problem.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the development, saying the passengers have been lodged in a hotel as stipulated by the regulatory act.
