A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 had to make an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport on December 28, following complications during its approach from Oslo to Amsterdam. The aircraft, operating flight KL1204 and carrying 182 people including 176 passengers and 6 crew members, experienced significant hydraulic system failure, prompting the pilots to divert to the airport located about 110 kilometers from Oslo Airport.
Shortly after the flight departed at 6:55 PM, passengers reported hearing loud noises from the aircraft. KLM attributed this to the aircraft experiencing severe malfunctions, with reports of smoke seen emanated from the left engine as the pilots maneuvered the plane for landing.
According to the police, during the final approach, the aircraft veered off the runway, skidding onto the grass after landing at approximately 7:14 PM. The communication from the control tower confirmed the presence of smoke, leading to the fire brigade being placed on standby. A pilot recounted over the intercom, "After landing, we lost control, and we couldn’t stop it," providing insight on the challenges faced during the emergency landing.
On the ground, passengers expressed relief when they landed safely, with KLM confirming no injuries occurred as a result of the incident. Passenger Amber Kraak shared her experience, saying, "Information from the cockpit indicated it was a tire blowout, and the hydraulic system was damaged." This incident came as part of concerning trends within aviation, as it was the third aviation accident reported within 24 hours. Just prior, another flight from Air Canada made headlines for having to divert due to mechanical issues.
Passenger Martin Frank, who was seated near the front, likened the chaotic moment to "like hitting something" but praised the pilot’s efforts to maintain calm and effectively communicate during the ordeal. Following the emergency landing, he noted, "There was a logistical mess; everyone needed to get to the terminal with their luggage, and hotels had to be arranged."
This situation has drawn scrutiny not only from involved passengers but also from aviation authorities, as the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board has launched inquiries to ascertain the underlying cause of the hydraulic failure.
The incident at Oslo Torp points to broader concerns about aircraft safety and the challenges pilots face when unexpected failures arise. The incident gained additional media spotlight due to its timing alongside two other serious aviation incidents, including the tragic crash left 179 people presumed dead and another emergency landing due to landing gear failure. With heightened public attention on aviation safety, authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.