SIMPSON BAY:--- KLM Airbus flight 332 got stuck on the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) on Sunday afternoon moments after the aircraft touched down.
The information thus far states that the aircraft encountered issues with its nosegear and it remained stuck on the runway which led to the runway being shut down.
Management of PJIAE said that the runway was shut down at 3:26 pm on Sunday and reopened at 4 pm after the aircraft was towed away to its hanger.
KLM requested assistance from Menzies and PJIAE mechanics that are busy rectifying the aircraft's nosegear issues.
Due to the mechanical issues the aircraft encountered some 259 passengers booked for departure are now facing delays. However, by 5:55 pm passengers were able to board the aircraft as they prepare for departure.
Even though the runway was shut down for a short period, no injuries were registered. Smaller aircraft were diverted to L'Esperance Airport while the larger jets circled until the runway reopened.
KLM AIRCRAFT LANDS SAFELY AFTER A MALFUNCTION OF THE NOSE WHEEL STEERING SYSTEM.
On Sunday, February 26, 2023, confirmed reports from the PJIAE Airport Operations Tower declared that KLM Airbus Flight 729, with aircraft type (A-330-203), encountered a nose wheel steering system malfunction upon landing. The aircraft landed at SXM Airport at approximately 3:26 PM.
KLM Flight 729 was later grounded at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). The passenger manifest declared a total of 225 passengers and 11 crew members on board from the Royal Schiphol Airport with a destination to St. Maarten. All were reportedly safe upon landing.
The Airport's Operations reported on the scene at 3:29 PM, meanwhile, the runway remained closed to further assess the situation, and the aircraft was towed off the runway to the main apron. Following a full assessment, the runway was reopened at 4:10 PM.
A total of 259 passengers were scheduled for departure to Amsterdam and are currently delayed at the airport. Management is on location with the necessary teams to monitor the ongoing situation.
UPDATE: Airline Handler, Halley Aviation has officially declared the flight as canceled and is busy providing hotel accommodations for the passengers
