Date: December 28th, 2024
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Registration: PH-BXM
Operator: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Flight Number: KL-1204
Route: Oslo (OSL) to Amsterdam (AMS)
Occupants: 182 (176 passengers, 6 crew)
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Minor, under assessment
Status: Under investigation
Incident Summary
On December 28th, 2024, KLM flight KL-1204 from Oslo to Amsterdam experienced hydraulic problems shortly after departure from Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). The flight crew stopped the climb at 5,000 feet and elected to divert to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF) for an emergency landing. During the rollout on Runway 18 at Sandefjord, the aircraft veered to the right and exited the runway, coming to rest with the nose and right main gear off the pavement. No injuries were reported among the 182 occupants.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff and Hydraulic Issues:
• Shortly after takeoff from Oslo Gardermoen’s Runway 19L, the crew reported a loud noise and detected hydraulic system malfunctions.
2. Diversion Decision:
• The aircraft leveled off at 5,000 feet, and the crew decided to divert to Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport, approximately 110 km south of Gardermoen, due to better handling conditions for the emergency.
3. Landing and Excursion:
• The aircraft performed an emergency landing on Sandefjord’s Runway 18 at 19:05 local time. During the rollout, the aircraft veered to the right, exiting the runway at low speed and coming to rest in the grass.
4. Passenger Evacuation:
• All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
Initial Observations
1. Hydraulic System Failure:
• The exact nature of the hydraulic issue remains unclear. Hydraulic system malfunctions can impact critical flight systems, including landing gear, braking, and steering.
2. Runway Excursion:
• The veer-off suggests potential loss of steering or braking capability, likely related to the hydraulic malfunction.
3. Weather Conditions:
• Weather data for Sandefjord at the time of the incident will be reviewed to determine if environmental factors played a role.
Investigation Focus Areas
1. Hydraulic System Malfunction:
• Identifying the root cause of the hydraulic failure, including possible mechanical defects, maintenance issues, or operational factors.
2. Runway Excursion Dynamics:
• Assessing the performance of the landing gear, braking system, and steering capabilities during the landing and rollout.
3. Crew Decision-Making:
• Evaluating the crew’s actions, including the diversion decision, emergency procedures, and landing execution.
4. Airport Response:
• Reviewing Sandefjord Airport’s emergency response and runway conditions at the time of the incident.
Safety Recommendations
1. Hydraulic System Inspections:
• Conduct a fleet-wide inspection of similar aircraft to detect potential systemic hydraulic issues.
2. Enhanced Crew Training:
• Emphasizing hydraulic system failure scenarios and runway excursion recovery techniques in training programs.
3. Runway Maintenance and Friction Testing:
• Regular evaluation of runway surface conditions, especially during adverse weather, to ensure safe aircraft handling.
4. Incident Reporting and Analysis:
• Encouraging transparent and timely sharing of incident findings to enhance industry-wide safety protocols.
Conclusion
The runway excursion of KLM flight KL-1204 underscores the challenges posed by hydraulic system malfunctions during critical phases of flight. The safe evacuation of all occupants highlights the effectiveness of emergency procedures. A thorough investigation by aviation authorities and KLM will aim to identify the underlying causes and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
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