Part 8/10:
However, challenges remained. Visibility out of the windscreen was severely compromised due to the ash that had sandblasted its surface. Guided by air traffic control, the experienced crew navigated the perilous descent and managed to land safely in Anchorage without incident.
The aftermath revealed the extensive damage inflicted by the volcanic ash, with over 80 kilograms of debris discovered in the engines. The engines and cockpit windshield endured severe damage, costing over $150 million in repairs—a staggering amount in today’s dollars. The aircraft served KLM until its retirement in 2018, with one of its final flights strangely captained by first officer Walter Vuurboom, who was on board that fateful day.