Quantcast

KLM Airbus returns safely after bird strikes in both engines

KLM Airbus returns safely after bird strikes in both engines
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

A KLM Airbus A330-200 experienced bird strikes in both engines shortly after departing from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on a flight to Houston. The incident occurred on November 15th, forcing the aircraft to return to Amsterdam safely without any further complications.

The flight, KL661, took off from runway 24 and reached an altitude of 6,000 feet before the crew reported vibrations in both engines due to a collision with a flock of birds. Air Traffic Control was informed promptly, and the crew requested permission to remain near the airport while conducting necessary checks.

Data from Flightradar24 indicates that only 12 minutes passed between takeoff and reaching the leveling altitude of 6,000 feet. The aircraft maintained this altitude for about 15 minutes before descending back to Schiphol Airport, landing safely on runway 18R.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Airbus A330-200 involved is registered as PH-AOA and has been part of KLM's fleet since August 2005. As per ch-aviation records, it is equipped with two General Electric CF6 engines and configured with a total of 264 seats across business class, economy plus, and economy sections. It has accumulated over 80,316 total hours and completed more than 14,481 flight cycles as of August 2024.

Bird strikes are common in aviation, with approximately 21,000 incidents occurring annually. Aircraft are designed with safety measures to withstand such impacts. However, multiple bird strikes can lead to engine shutdowns if they cause significant damage.

The aircraft remains grounded at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport following the incident. Simple Flying has reached out to KLM for further comments regarding the extent of damage sustained by the aircraft.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

American Airlines has established itself as the world's largest airline by number of hubs, operating ten across the United States.

Oct 24, 2025

The Boeing TC-135W, a specialized training aircraft derived from the C-135/RC-135 reconnaissance family, continues to serve the United States Air Force (USAF) and its allies decades after many similar jets have been retired.

Oct 24, 2025

Frontier Airlines has started serving three airports in Virginia for the first time, with its inaugural flight to Richmond from Atlanta on October 17.

Oct 24, 2025

When Russia closed its airspace to airlines from countries aligned with the West following the war in Ukraine, airlines had to find new routes.

Oct 24, 2025

Jet engine manufacturer GE Aerospace reported a significant increase in profits for the third quarter of 2025, driven by strong demand for its commercial jet engines and related services.

Oct 24, 2025

For over thirty years, United Airlines has relied on the Boeing 757 as a key aircraft for its transatlantic routes.

Oct 24, 2025