SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) – 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: At approximately 6:47pm, the KLM flight attempted to depart the Princess Juliana International Airport for Amsterdam, however, this was not successful and the passengers were returned to the terminal building, accoridng to an update from airport authorities.
https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=48478:updated-klm-aircraft-lands-safely-after-malfunction-of-nose-wheel-steering-system&Itemid=450
