A person died on Wednesday afternoon, May 29, 2024, after being sucked into a running jet engine of a KLM aircraft at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in The Netherlands. When the incident occurred, the Embraer E190 jet, part of KLM’s Cityhopper service, was preparing to depart for Billund, Denmark. The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed.
Witnesses on board the plane described hearing a “hellish noise” as the person was pulled into the turbine. “Many people saw it happen,” one passenger told the media, adding to the traumatic nature of the event.
KLM confirmed the incident in a statement: “A deadly incident occurred at Schiphol today when an individual was drawn into a running aircraft engine, resulting in their death. Efforts are being made to support the passengers and employees who witnessed the event. The situation is currently under investigation.”
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the country’s military police force, leads the investigation. In their statement, they emphasized that all passengers and employees of the affected flight have been disembarked and are receiving appropriate care and support. The Marechaussee added that it was too early to determine whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act.
Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, also issued a statement: “Our thoughts go out to the relatives of the deceased, and we are taking care of the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this tragic event.” The airport described the incident as “horrible,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Dutch Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers expressed his condolences on social media platform X, stating, “Tragic news from Schiphol today as a fatal accident occurred. My condolences to the victim’s family and those who witnessed the incident.” KLM CEO Marjan Rintel echoed Harbers’ sentiment, assuring that the airline is providing all necessary support to those affected.
This incident has drawn attention not only due to its tragic nature but also because of the safety concerns it raises. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has a history of being one of Europe’s safest and most efficient airports, making this event particularly shocking. An airport employee shared that they saw a person jump into the engine after the crew finished giving safety instructions, although this claim has not been officially confirmed.
The Dutch Safety Board has also dispatched three investigators to the site to independently review the incident. They aim to collaborate with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee to uncover any potential lapses in safety protocols that might have contributed to this tragedy.
Incidents involving individuals being caught in aircraft engines are rare but not unprecedented. Similar cases have occurred in other parts of the world, often leading to rigorous investigations and changes in safety procedures. Last year, a 27-year-old employee at San Antonio International Airport in Texas was sucked into a Delta Airlines jet engine in what was later ruled a suicide.
