SAS flight makes emergency landing at Arlanda – Flight 751 forced to turn back shortly after takeoff
It was a dramatic morning in the skies over Stockholm on Thursday as an SAS flight, number 751, was forced to return to Arlanda just minutes after departure. The aircraft, which was headed to a European destination, experienced technical issues, prompting the crew to make an immediate decision to turn back for an emergency landing.
"There was a loud bang and the whole plane shook"
– We had just settled in and the plane started to climb. Then there was a really loud bang and the entire cabin shook for a few seconds. You immediately knew something was seriously wrong, says a passenger who was on board.
The atmosphere inside the cabin is described as tense but calm. Flight attendants reacted quickly and informed everyone that they would be returning to Arlanda.
Here's what happened – minute by minute
- 8:35 a.m.: The plane takes off from runway 01L at Arlanda.
- 8:47 a.m.: Pilots report technical problems and request an immediate return.
- 8:52 a.m.: The aircraft lines up for approach back to Arlanda.
- 8:58 a.m.: The emergency landing is carried out without further incident. All 167 passengers and crew are unharmed.
- 9:05 a.m.: Emergency services and ambulances are on standby, but no medical assistance is required.
According to information released, a technical issue led the pilots to shut down one engine as a pure safety precaution. The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, is specifically designed to handle such situations.
Arlanda operations back to normal
One runway was temporarily closed to ensure the emergency landing could be conducted safely. This caused minor delays for a few departures, but by around 10 a.m., flight traffic at Arlanda had returned to normal. Airport officials confirm that an investigation into the cause is now underway in cooperation with SAS and the manufacturer.
A strange coincidence with flight number 751
For many aviation enthusiasts, the flight number 751 stirs memories. It was the same number on December 27, 1991, when an SAS MD-80 aircraft was forced to crash-land in a field in Gottröra after severe engine vibrations. All 129 people on board survived that crash – an event that went down in history as the "Gottröra miracle." The fact that flight 751 has once again found itself in troubled skies feels fateful, but this time, the worst was avoided.
– Of course, it crosses your mind. But I'm just glad we're on solid ground and that everyone's okay, the passenger says.
A report regarding the aviation incident has been filed by police, but at this stage, there is no suspicion of any crime. The investigation is focusing entirely on the technical circumstances.