KLM Airbus returns safely after bird strikes in both engines

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Nov 17, 2024

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.

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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.