Cyclist Amber Kraak was among the 182 passengers onboard a KLM Boeing 737 that made an emergency landing in southern Norway on Saturday evening. The flight, which departed Oslo at 6:55 pm en route to Amsterdam, was forced to divert to Torp Sandefjord Airport shortly after take-off due to mechanical issues.
Speaking on Sunday morning, Kraak, who had been returning from a family holiday, described the unsettling experience. “We heard a loud bang shortly after take-off, and the plane didn’t climb any further,” she told Omroep Brabant. “If your phone wasn’t on aeroplane mode, messages kept coming through, and we weren’t allowed to get up. That’s when you realise something is wrong.”
Photo Credit: Amber Kraak/InstagramMechanical issues and an unplanned landing
The pilot informed passengers that the plane was experiencing hydraulic system problems and would need to land as a precaution. Despite this announcement, there was little visible panic in the cabin. “We thought there’d be a quick check and then we’d continue the flight on this aircraft,” Kraak said. “Of course, you prepare yourself for a bumpier ride than usual.”
According to local media reports, smoke was seen coming from the left engine, and the pilots were unable to steer the aircraft after landing. The plane skidded off the runway and came to rest in the grass. Kraak confirmed she did not see any smoke herself but noted the unexpected conclusion to the landing. “After landing, passengers applauded the pilots, but it was only then that we realised we had landed in the grass.”
Photo Credit: Amber Kraak/InstagramA sobering comparison
Reflecting on the emergency landing, Kraak said the situation became even more striking after she learned of a tragic aviation incident in South Korea later that night, where at least 174 people lost their lives. “That plane also had problems with its hydraulic system. We’re very grateful that this didn’t happen to us,” she said.
Kraak, a professional cyclist who typically travels to around 20 destinations a year, admitted this was her first experience of such an event. Despite the incident, she planned to fly back to the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon, emphasising her relief that no one was injured during the ordeal.
Throughout the flight, Kraak managed to keep calm, even taking a photo with her family while still onboard. “It was more about posting something, just in case things didn’t go well. You notice there’s some tension in situations like that,” she added.
The aircraft landed roughly 30 minutes after departure, and KLM has since confirmed the incident, praising the pilots for their quick thinking and the safety measures that ensured all passengers disembarked without injury.
