KLM plane makes emergency landing in Norway after mid-flight engine issue
A KLM Boeing 737 en route from Oslo to Amsterdam made an emergency landing in southern Norway on Friday evening following a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff. The plane landed at Torp Sandefjord Airport at 7:14 p.m. local time, according to Norwegian police. All 182 people on board, including the crew, were unharmed.
The flight departed Oslo at 6:55 p.m., but passengers and crew reported hearing a loud noise shortly after takeoff. "There was a hard noise," KLM said in a statement, prompting pilots to divert to Torp for safety.
Local media reported that the pilots noticed smoke emanating from the left engine, and after the landing, the aircraft was no longer steerable. It skidded off the runway and came to a stop in the grass.
Dutch passenger, cyclist Amber Kraak said, "Information from the cockpit indicated it was a tire blowout, and the hydraulic system was damaged." She added that due to fog in Oslo, the pilots decided to divert to an alternate airport.
Martin Frank, another passenger, seated near the front of the plane, described hearing the loud sound during takeoff. "It was like hitting something," he said, adding that the captain’s communication was clear, which helped maintain calm in the cabin.
After the plane safely landed, passengers applauded.
Upon arrival, there was confusion and delays. "There was a logistical mess," Frank said. "Everyone needed to get to the terminal, luggage had to be removed, and hotels had to be arranged. We’re heading back to Oslo tonight and hopefully home tomorrow."
The flight path of the aircraft can be seen on tracking site Flightradar24. The incident forced the closure of Torp Sandefjord Airport for the remainder of the evening while the aircraft, partially stuck on the runway, was being removed, Norwegian police said.
The Norwegian Accident Investigation Board has launched an inquiry into the cause of the malfunction.
