The Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AIB) has confirmed it has been notified that the incident which caused Royal Dutch Airline’s flight from Accra to Amsterdam to be cancelled was because of a bird strike that disrupted the aircraft’s engine before take-off.
In a statement, AIB said, “Upon take-off RWY 21, there was a bird strike at 22:35 close to the windshield the Captain had to apply emergency brakes (high brakes).”
“Two tyres of the aircraft deflated and two other tyres get worn out but the incident resulted in no fire but only hot brakes the aircraft was towed back to ramp(d1) at 23:21 hrs LT and all passengers were disembarked with no casualties,” reads part of the statement.
AIB said as part of its investigation into the incident, it will constitute an Investigation Team to probe the matter with a final report to be developed.
It added that whilst investigations are underway, it will also request a record of bird strike incidents from GACL to analyse trends and provide safety recommendations as well as meet with Safety and Environment Department.
“We will request a number of reports from the following; the Captain, the engineer, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited.”
“The afromentioned are however expected to provide a pleriminary report within one month and a final report to be presented within two months.”
On the other hand, Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) said, “On Friday 3 2021 at 10:35, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Flight (KL590) bound for Amsterdam aborted take-off via Runway 21 at Kotoka International Airport. The pilot reported a strike close to the windshield of the aircraft.”
“The Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) of GACL was at the scene immediately to provide emergency fire cover. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the parking where passengers were disembarked and transported to various hotels around the airport. Meanwhile the airline has commenced process to get passengers back to their final destinations as soon as possible. . Investigations into the cause of the incident have commenced.”
GACL management assured the general public that it has a robust Wildlife Management system in place and remains committed to the highest safety standards at the airport.
The KLM aircraft was a Boeing 777-306ER with registration PH-BVK
Photo source: jetphotos.com
By Joyce Mukucha
