An airport worker died at Amsterdam’s main airport after intentionally climbing into a running aircraft engine, an investigation has found.
The man died on Wednesday afternoon on the runway at Schiphol airport, as KLM flight 1341 was preparing to take off for Billund, Denmark.
An investigation by the Royal Marechaussee, the military branch in charge of policing at Schiphol, has since identified the victim as an “employee of a company operating at the airport” and concluded that he entered the engine deliberately.
A spokesperson for the Marechaussee said: “On Wednesday afternoon, a tragic incident occurred on the platform at Schiphol Airport, where a man fell into the running engine of an aircraft and died.
“The aircraft had just completed the pushback procedure and was about to taxi to the runway. The deceased man has been identified as an employee of a company operating at the airport.
“The investigation has revealed that he intentionally climbed into the engine, indicating this is a case of suicide. Out of respect for the victim and their loved ones, no further statements will be made.”
The short-haul Cityhopper Embraer E190 jet, capable of carrying 80 passengers, had been scheduled to take off at 2.25pm.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraf reported that incident took place as the plane reversed ahead of take off, after the crew had finished delivering safety instructions.
The passengers and crew were safely escorted off the plane, interviewed by police and offered psychological support services.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, a spokesperson for Schiphol described the incident as “horrible”.
They added: “Our thoughts go out to the relatives and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this.”
Mark Harbers, the Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, posted on X: “Terrible news about a fatal accident today at Schiphol.
“My condolences go out to the relatives of the victim and the people who witnessed the accident.”
Amsterdam Schiphol is Europe’s third largest airport, used by 5.5 million passengers last month.