A KLM Airbus A330-200 returned to Schiphol this afternoon because the aircraft’s wheels could not be raised after take-off. In recordings of conversations between the pilots and air traffic control, it can be heard that the ‘landing gear did not raise’ and that the crew needed some time to burn kerosene and prepare for landing at Schiphol.
The flight to the Saudi capital Riyadh and the port city of Dammam departed from the Polderbaan around 4 p.m. this afternoon. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot calls out that there is a problem with the landing gear.
It soon turns out that the landing gear cannot be raised, but also that it is ‘not a big problem’, according to the crew. There also appears to be no need to have emergency services ready at Schiphol.
“You are just above a fairly busy part of the Netherlands”
The pilots are assigned flight altitudes and courses by air traffic control to prepare for the return to Schiphol and to burn kerosene so that the aircraft is not too heavy during landing. Despite the calmness of the crew, who have the technical problem with the wheels under control, air traffic control does not want them to fly over Utrecht for too long.
“You are just above a fairly busy part of the Netherlands,” the air traffic controller remarks and sends them to the IJsselmeer. The pilot who operates the radio confirms the assignment, but wants to say that they are flying just above his hometown. “That’s nice,” he jokes.
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After more than half an hour of flying time, the Airbus lands safely at Schiphol around 4.35 pm. Air traffic control had kept the Aalsmeerbaan free for this and allowed all other air traffic to land on the Kaagbaan. Schiphol’s timetable shows that flights to Riyadh and Dammam have been canceled for today.
Fourth KLM flight returned within two weeks
Today’s flight was KLM’s fourth within two weeks to return to Schiphol with a technical problem. The defects of the four devices are not related to each other.
However, KLM’s technical service is available under great pressure due to labor shortages and an aging population. No risk is being taken with the safety of maintenance, but the shortage could result in aircraft being out of service for longer.
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