New York KLM Flight Report – Flight from Hell

Hi folks,

I’ve been that busy of late that I haven’t had chance to post on here, but nothing is going to stop me writing up my latest flying experience – one leg of which was my worst flying experience ever!

As some of you may recall, several months ago, I booked a trip to New York (via Amsterdam) and specifically picked this route so that I could fly a North West DC10. Well some months later (after everything had been paid), the flight was changed to a KLM 767; a very disappointing change but I was looking forward to the flights nonetheless.

KL1530 – Teesside – Amsterdam – KLM Fokker 70 (PH-KZE)

Torrential rain at Teesside on the morning of Thursday 20th, so I was expecting a bumpy departure for our 6.20 slot. Fortunately though, the take-off was smooth and seconds after lift-off we were in the midst of the clouds.

Take-off on the F70 was great; a cracking feel of force pushing you back in the seat emphasising the power you feel when rolling in a small jet.

The cabin crew were pleasant, the food dreadful (a roll and a cup of tea) and 40 minutes later we were in a holding pattern over Amsterdam. 15 minutes further on and we were on the ground in an equally dreary Schipol with a landing as perfectly smooth as the lift off.

KL657 – Amsterdam – New York Newark – KLM Boeing 767-300 (PH-BZB)

The configuration of KLM’s 767’s are 2-3-2, so after being used to travelling on charter versions of this aircraft, the cabin felt quite spacious. My wife and I were sat on a ‘two’ over the right hand wing and had perfect views throughout.

Our scheduled 11.20 slot was met and soon enough we were in the air for what would be an 8 hour flight. The cabin crew were fantastic. They were chatty, they passed the time of day with you too; constantly asked if you were OK and were always laughing and joking (in two languages!); an asset I have never seen in such abundance before and it was certainly a refreshing change.

The meals were typical but edible and the entertainment rather poor, but the flight passed quite quickly and soon enough we were making out descent into EWR. The pilot warned of strong 30mph winds at the airport so I was anticipating a bumpy landing and this time, my expectations came true. The approach was extremely bouncy with the wings going this way and that; you half expect them to hit the runway at the last minute, but we touched down with no problems.

All in all, a good flight though I would have preferred the DC10 experience.

KL658 – New York Newark – Amsterdam – KLM Boeing 767-300 (PH-BZD)

This was a flight from hell and out of my 70+ flights in my lifetime, this is one I will never forget.

We arrived at the airport early at 1.30pm (for a 4.30 departure) and arrived in time to see the 767 arrive early from Amsterdam. We had a great view at the gate of the aircraft and the two runways, so I was happy just to sit and watch the goings on. About one hour before departure, mechanics arrived and started looking at the right engine, opening the covers and pointing torches inside. An hour later, the engine was in bits and four guys, under flood lights, were working away on ‘some problem’. At the same time, the despatcher announced a half hour delay due to a maintenance problem.

Well, half an hour turned into 5 hours. The pilot was hanging out of the window looking at the work, giving thumbs up and down signs to the mechanics as several engine tests were performed. Smoke bellowed out of the engine on several occasions and my stomach started to churn. At the 5 hour mark, the pilot hung out of the ****-pit, gave a thumbs up to the passengers, and waved everyone on board at which point a cheer emerged from the gate.

Now all logic tells me a plane will not take off if there is a problem, but that doesn’t stop you worrying. I half expected the engine to blow on take off, but fortunately, nothing happened. The pilot explained the problem as being a broken gasket which had subsequently caused a leak. Anyway, with a fantastic night time view of the New York skyline, we took off we were at last on our way home.

About an hour into the flight, we experienced some heavy turbulence. The seat belt signs came on and the turbulence gradually got worse. The plane was going up, down, side to side, with the wings at times almost going vertical. It was a rollercoaster of a ride and you could actually hear the wind howling. The plane creaked around violently for over 2 hours. The travel sickness bags were out and everyone sat in silence. I have never been scared on a plane before; I was petrified though. I clung onto my seat desperately until my wife asked for more travel sick tablets. After no help came from the stewardess, I ignored the seat belt sign and unbuckled and went to an overhead locker to get them. I knew I shouldn’t have done in those conditions, but my wife was ready to throw and felt I had to risk it. I managed it without anything falling out.

After around two hours, the situation eased and normal service was resumed. The pilot explained that the cause was the strong jet stream. He’d been in touch with other aircraft and they all were experiencing the same thing, so there was nothing he could do.

5 hours late, a nervous take off, a flight from hell and the knowledge of a missed connection later, we arrived in Amsterdam physically unscathed but mentally with the thought, “do I really like flying?”.

KL1535 – Amsterdam – Teesside – KLM Fokker 70 (PH-KZR)

Fortunately, we were booked on the next Teesside flight and with so much goings on in the previous leg, this flight was 55 minutes of bliss.
Tired and exhausted we arrived at Teesside and we were home safely after one hell of a journey!