Some LVA F.K.51s were briefly used for reconnaissance duties following the German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940, with several F.K.51s being destroyed on the ground by attacking Luftwaffe aircraft. The Dutch Naval Aviation Service's F.K.51s were used to carry neutrality patrols from January 1940, with most being damaged or destroyed during an attack on De Kooy Airfield on 10 May.