Introduction
On 28 December 2024, a KLM Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXM, operating flight KL-1204 from Oslo Gardermoen (ENGM) to Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM), encountered hydraulic problems shortly after takeoff. The crew aborted the initial climb and diverted to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (ENTO), where the aircraft suffered a runway excursion during landing.
The aircraft came to a stop with its nose and right main landing gear off the runway. All 176 passengers and 6 crew members evacuated safely, with no reported injuries.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
• Operator: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Registration: PH-BXM
• Flight Route: Oslo Gardermoen (ENGM) → Amsterdam Schiphol (EHAM)
• Date: 28 December 2024
• Occupants: 182 (176 passengers, 6 crew)
• Injuries: None reported
• Final Outcome: Aircraft suffered runway excursion at Sandefjord due to hydraulic failure caused by a blown tyre on takeoff
Sequence of Events
Takeoff & Initial Climb
• The aircraft departed from Oslo Gardermoen’s runway 19L for its scheduled flight to Amsterdam.
• During takeoff, a loud noise was heard, later identified as a tyre blowout.
• Shortly after takeoff, the crew received hydraulic failure warnings, prompting them to discontinue the climb at 5,000 feet.
Decision to Divert to Sandefjord
• Given the loss of hydraulic pressure, the crew opted to divert to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (ENTO), which has a longer runway and emergency services on standby.
• The aircraft proceeded with the diversion, while the crew prepared for a manual gear extension and potential emergency landing procedures.
Landing & Runway Excursion
• The aircraft touched down on Sandefjord’s runway 18 at 19:05 local time (18:05 UTC).
• During the rollout, the aircraft veered to the right and exited the runway, with its nose and right main landing gear coming to rest in the grass.
• The aircraft remained upright, and passengers and crew disembarked safely.
Investigation & Preliminary Findings
1. Tyre Blowout on Takeoff
• Dutch safety authorities (DSB) confirmed the aircraft suffered a tyre failure during takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen.
• The blown tyre led to hydraulic fluid loss, resulting in reduced braking effectiveness and steering issues upon landing.
2. Hydraulic System Failure
• Hydraulic failure limited the crew’s ability to control the aircraft during rollout.
• The loss of hydraulic pressure may have affected nose wheel steering and braking capability, contributing to the runway excursion.
3. Weather Conditions
• Sandefjord reported overcast clouds at 600 feet, light winds, and a temperature of 7°C.
• Gardermoen reported dense fog and low visibility at the time of departure.
• There is no immediate evidence that weather contributed to the accident, though wet runway conditions may have reduced braking effectiveness.
4. Aircraft Damage Assessment
• The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and fuselage underside but remained structurally intact.
• Inspection teams are evaluating the hydraulic system for further failures.
Survivability & Emergency Response
• All passengers evacuated without injury, demonstrating effective crew coordination.
• Emergency response teams at Sandefjord were prepared for the emergency landing, ensuring swift assistance after the runway excursion.
• Passenger handling and aircraft recovery efforts were initiated immediately.
Next Steps in Investigation
• Norwegian authorities (AIBN) and Dutch safety investigators (DSB) are conducting a joint inquiry.
• The aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) will be analyzed.
• Maintenance logs will be reviewed to determine if the tyre failure was a pre-existing issue or if other mechanical factors contributed.
• The investigation will assess whether KLM’s operational procedures were followed correctly in handling the emergency.
Conclusion
The KLM Boeing 737-800 suffered a hydraulic failure caused by a tyre blowout on takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen, forcing the crew to divert to Sandefjord, where the aircraft veered off the runway during landing. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and fuselage.
Authorities are now investigating whether the tyre failure was due to mechanical wear, foreign object debris, or a structural issue. Safety recommendations may be issued based on the final findings.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 18 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
