Recovery BXM in Torp, Norway
In December 2024, KLM faced an unexpected challenge: the PH-BXM, one of our Boeing 737-800s, went off the runway after an incident during takeoff from Oslo. The aircraft had to divert to Sandefjord Torp Airport in Norway, where it came to a stop beside the runway. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the damage to the aircraft was significant, and the recovery required a team of professionals.
The repair project, which lasted several weeks, was led by Peter van Horssen , Maintenance Manager LGG with teammembers from H-11 and H-12. The team worked closely with local authorities and various external partners to assess and fix the damage to PH-BXM. This article provides an insight into the behind-the-scenes of this complex and intensive operation. A quick response As early as the evening of the incident, a ‘recovery team’ was assembled. “On the evening of Saturday, December 28, 2024, several conference calls and meetings were held via Teams. There was urgency as the Torp airport was closed to all traffic,” says Siebren Buma, Lead Fleet Engineer 737. The task of the ‘recovery team’ was to remove the aircraft so the airport could resume operations. On Sunday morning, the team departed for Sandefjord, consisting of five KLM E&M employees. “The first task was to create a plan and get approval from KLM’s internal parties,” Siebren explains further. “We needed to ensure that the recovery of the aircraft was carried out according to the guidelines of the Boeing Airplane Recovery Manual, so we wouldn’t cause any additional damage or create unsafe situations.” The recovery process The recovery process began with assessing the damage and creating an action plan. “It was a very complex operation due to the many involved parties – from airport services to the fire department, and from recovery companies to local authorities,” says Peter van Horssen, Project Leader of the recovery team. The recovery of the aircraft itself took four hours and was completed on December 29, the same day the team arrived. However, the repairs were initially estimated to take at least two weeks.
The conditions were not easy. Sandefjord Torp is a smaller airport with limited facilities, and the winter weather made the logistical process a challenge. But despite the difficulties, the collaboration between KLM E&M employees and local partners was outstanding. “The cooperation from the people at the airport was exceptional,” says Peter. “Everyone was incredibly helpful, and everything was arranged quickly. It was great to work with such a motivated team.”
International teamwork The collaboration went beyond just the people on-site. The recovery team worked closely with various departments at KLM, including Engineering, MEF, the Hangar 14 Shops, and the Support Departments at Schiphol-East and Centre. “We received support from our colleagues at Schiphol, who made sure that parts were available at the right time and in the right place. Parts came from all over the world, including Seattle, Oslo, and Frankfurt,” explains Peter.
The logistics process also had its challenges, such as the ferry services between Denmark and Norway and the snowfall on the roads. All transportation had to be done by road first, then by ferry. "Everything had to be coordinated, and that often required improvisation. Fortunately, we managed to get everything sorted out," adds John Venema, Construction Specialist. A successful completion After four weeks of intensive work, the moment arrived: on January 25, 2025, the final test was performed, and the aircraft was ready for the return flight to Amsterdam. “It was amazing to work with such a dedicated team,” says Siebren. “It was a complex task, but thanks to the excellent cooperation, both locally and with our colleagues from Schiphol, the job was a success.” Conclusion The swift and efficient handling of this incident demonstrates the strength of the KLM E&M team and the value of international collaboration. This was a major operational challenge, but thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, PH-BXM was able to safely return to Amsterdam – a success story that will certainly not be forgotten.
“It was a great job with a motivated and enjoyable team. KLM E&M can be proud of this,” concludes John enthusiastically.
