SCHIPHOL AIRPORT: Person dies from ingestion by KLM Cityhopper Embraer jet engine

A person has died after ‘falling into’ the active turbine blades of a KLM Cityhopper Embraer passenger jet. The Jet was awaiting departure at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.

The incident happened on the apron of the airport. The flight was headed to Bullund, Jutland, the home of the Lego Group in Denmark.

‘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.’

KLM Statement

Investigation at Schiphol Airport

The Dutch military police ( Marechaussee) at the airport reported that passengers had been removed from the plane. An investigation has commenced. They have commenced an investigation. They also indicated it was too early to comment on whether this was an ‘incident’ or a form of suicide. NOS, the Dutch national broadcaster, has reported that ‘many occupants of the aircraft saw the incident’

IIt is currently unclear whether the person who died entered the plane’s engine or whether the engine pulled them in. The name of the person has not been made public. KLM has not said whether the person was an airline or airport employee.

Strict security measures on airport tarmacs make episodes like this one rare. However, similar incidents do happen. For example, in January 2024 in Salt Lake City, a man climbed into a plane engine at the International Airport and died. He reached the plane by using an emergency exit door at the airport. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died..

2PAXfly Takeout

This accident or otherwise is a tragic event. It will affect all those who witnessed it and the family and friends of the victim.

Schiphol has had an enviable record as a safely operating airport. This incident is an anomaly.

Our thoughts are with those who are affected and those who will need to investigate this tragedy.