Emerging news about the DANA AIR plane that crashed in lagos-Nigeria confirms the failure of both of the engines powering the plane. This is a very rare occurrence as planes are designed to be powered by one engine with one on standby in events for the failure of one of them, and also the probability of an engine failing due to internal fault is very rare if well maintained. Apart from the effect of foreign object damage for example bird strikes or external materials entering the engine, the probability of a total engine failure is very small, and that of both engines total failure very minimal.
One of the major causes of engine failures are due to degradation from wear and tear during normal operations, hence effective engine diagnostics and condition monitoring will ensure that any degradation and potential failures are detected and the engine overhauled or maintained in order to bring it back to its healthy state. Maintenance therefore is a very important aspect of the aviation industry all over the world, and regulatory bodies are very critical and strict in terms of adherence to maintenance practices. This is an aspect that is lacking in the Nigerian aviation industry and needs the attention of the government.
Contrary to popular opinion, air transport is one of the safest means of transport available, with fewer casualties. However a nonchalant attitude towards the maintenance of the aircraft is not only criminal but also a blatant disregard for human lives, because once the engines fail mid-air the plane becomes a flying coffin!!
This tragic incident should act as a clarion call for all those concerned with air traffic regulation in Nigeria to wake up to their duties, and Nigerians should hold them accountable!!