Widerøe Flight 744, operating a short domestic route, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff from Trondheim, Norway. The aircraft was a De Havilland Canada Dash 8, which was known for its reliability in Nordic conditions. Despite the challenging weather, the flight was on a routine journey towards Bodø when it started to lose altitude. In less than thirty minutes, the plane struck a mountain in the Overhalla Municipality, killing all six passengers, including crew members and three individuals connected to a local sports team. The crash was alarming due to the abrupt nature of the descent and the loss of life involved.

The aftermath of the incident triggered a thorough investigation by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Administration. It focused on the series of events leading to the accident. Preliminary findings indicated possible factors including navigational errors and adverse weather conditions at the time of the flight. Investigators scrutinized pilot decisions and mechanical checks leading up to the flight, aiming to determine systemic failures that could be improved in the future. As a result, new safety measures and operational protocols were proposed for airlines operating in similar conditions across Northern Europe.