Widerøe Flight 839 was a scheduled flight operated by Widerøe's Flyveselskap from Værøy Airport to Bodø, Norway. On this ill-fated day, the aircraft, a De Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7, took off from Værøy Airport under conditions that would later be scrutinized by investigators. Less than a minute into the flight, the crew reported a loss of control. Eyewitnesses on the ground observed the plane struggling at a low altitude before crashing into the sea shortly after takeoff. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, but it was confirmed that all five occupants onboard had perished.

The investigation into the accident revealed multiple contributing factors, including the influence of severe weather, which is commonplace in this region. Investigators from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority conducted an in-depth analysis of the crash, focusing on the aircraft's pre-flight checks, pilot error, and the challenges posed by operating in such unpredictable weather. The crash brought attention to the safety measures and operational standards of regional airlines in Norway, especially given the remote nature of many of the flight routes.

The consequences of the accident were felt not only by the families of the victims but also within the aviation community in Norway. The incident emphasized the importance of stringent safety protocols and robust training for pilots operating in challenging environments. In the wake of the disaster, Widerøe and other regional airlines re-evaluated their operational practices and safety measures, leading to improvements in flight safety standards in the industry. This crash stood as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of aviation in regions affected by adverse weather conditions.