Written by Michael Andrews.

In a horrific event at Amsterdam Airport, a person lost their life after being ingested by a jet engine. This tragic accident occurred on Wednesday involving a KLM aircraft bound for Denmark. The unidentified victim was killed instantly when they were pulled into the engine of a KLM passenger plane at Schiphol Airport as it was preparing for takeoff.

Eyewitnesses, including passengers and crew on the Embraer 190 aircraft, which is used for KLM’s Cityhopper service, reported hearing a ‘hellish noise’ from the engine, followed by smoke trailing from it. Emergency responders launched a massive response to the incident around 3 PM, with photos showing the plane surrounded by fire trucks and ambulances.

Investigation Underway

Investigators from the Dutch military police are still working to determine whether this was an accident or a possible suicide. During a press conference, officials mentioned that it was too early to identify the victim’s gender due to the severity of the injuries caused by the jet engine’s spinning turbines.

A statement from KLM confirmed the incident, saying, “A fatal incident took place at Schiphol today during which a person ended up in a running aircraft engine. Sadly, this person has died. The flight concerned was KL1341 bound for Billund. We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol. The circumstances are currently under investigation.”

Schiphol Airport also addressed the incident on social media, expressing their condolences and stating that the Royal Military Police is conducting an investigation.

Historical Context and Aftermath

This tragic event at Amsterdam Airport echoes a similar incident last year at San Antonio Airport in Texas, where an airport worker was ingested by a Delta Airlines plane engine. Examiners later concluded that the individual had taken their own life.

KLM has assured that they are providing support to passengers traumatized by the recent incident. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life and ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected.

Our Take

The recent tragedy at Amsterdam Airport is a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent safety measures in aviation. While the exact circumstances of this incident are still under investigation, it underscores the importance of constant vigilance and robust safety protocols to prevent such horrific accidents. The aviation industry must prioritize the safety of both its workers and passengers to avoid similar occurrences in the future. Public trust in air travel relies heavily on the industry’s commitment to safety, and incidents like this erode that trust. It is imperative that comprehensive investigations are conducted, and necessary improvements are made to protect lives.