A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 was forced to make an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF) on December 28, 2024, after experiencing hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Flight KL1204 was en route to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport (AMS) with 182 passengers and crew members on board.
At approximately 7:05 p.m. local time, the aircraft, registered as PH-BXM, began experiencing issues shortly after departing. According to reports, the crew heard "a hard noise" during the ascent, which prompted them to divert to Torp Airport, located about 110 kilometers from Oslo.
Upon landing on runway 18 at TRF, the plane veered off to the right and came to a halt on the grass. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew. Emergency response teams were quickly on the scene, allowing for the safe evacuation of those aboard.
One of the pilots later reported over the flight radio, "After touchdown, we were unable to control the plane. It swerved to the right, and we couldn't stop it." These words reflect the alarming situation the crew faced as they attempted to manage the aircraft upon landing.
Having successfully evacuated all passengers, KLM arranged for them to be transported back to Gardermoen Airport by bus. There, those needing accommodations were provided hotel stays as necessary. KLM's statement highlighted their commitment to assist passengers, asserting, "Our passengers were transported to Oslo by bus last night and provided with hotel accommodation if required."
The aircraft involved remains grounded at TRF as the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board conducts inquiries to establish the cause of the hydraulic failure. An investigation seeking to determine how the series of events unfolded is underway, with KLM dispatching a technical team to work closely with local authorities.
This emergency landing at TRF takes place against the backdrop of recent tragic aviation accidents. Notably, on December 29, 2024, another Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed during its approach to Muan International Airport, and reports indicated there were 179 presumed dead. This is combined with earlier incidents involving other airlines, raising significant concerns about aviation safety.
KLM has stated they are fully committed to getting to the bottom of the hydraulic failure experienced by flight KL1204. According to additional reports, the aircraft had previously logged over 60,843 flight hours, primarily operating on short-haul routes. It hadn’t been airborne since the incident, with another flight scheduled from AMS to Copenhagen planned for December 30, 2024.
Although this incident did cause interruptions at Torp Airport, KLM indicated no significant disruptions to wider operations. Some 5,000 travelers faced cancellations and delays due to the aftermath, compounded by the challenges of managing the situation. The airport remained closed until at least 6:00 p.m. the following day, with efforts underway involving KLM, police, and the Accident Investigation Board to remove the airplane from its location.
Though the aircraft is out of commission for the immediate future, KLM is taking steps to clear the backlog caused by the incident. Passengers whose travel plans were impacted have been reassured they will be accommodated onto alternative flights.
The combination of the loud noise reported during takeoff, the uncontrolled landing, and the emergency measures adopted by the crew effectively highlight the challenges faced within the aviation industry. KLM remains focused on passenger safety, diligently working with investigators to prevent future occurrences and ensuring proper communication and support for those affected.