Widerøe Flight 710 Crashes into Mt. Torghatten

May 6th, 1988

May 6th, 1988

Widerøe Flight 710 Crashes into Mt. Torghatten
How Long Ago?

36 years, 10 months, 9 days ago

Location

Brønnøysund, Norway

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

Links & References
Tags

Widerøe Flight 710 Crashes into Mt. Torghatten

Widerøe Flight 710, a Norwegian commuter flight, crashed into Mt. Torghatten in Brønnøy, Norway, claiming the lives of all 36 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft, a Dash 7 twin-engine turboprop, was en route from Bodø to Brønnøysund when it encountered difficulties. The crash occurred just moments before landing, as the crew attempted to navigate through challenging weather conditions. This tragic incident highlighted the risks associated with flying in mountainous regions, particularly during adverse weather.

All 36 passengers and crew were lost.

Flight operated by Widerøe, a regional airline.

Crash happened near Brønnøysund's Mt. Torghatten.

Incident prompted changes in aviation safety protocols.

What Happened?

Widerøe Flight 710 was a scheduled flight operated by Widerøe, a Norwegian regional airline. The flight departed from Bodø and was destined for Brønnøysund, a coastal town in Norway. On board were 33 passengers and a three-member crew, traveling on a Dash 7 aircraft known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities. As the aircraft approached its destination on the evening of May 6, it encountered poor visibility and adverse weather conditions typical of the mountainous terrain around Brønnøysund. Just moments from landing, the plane crashed into the north side of Mt. Torghatten, a distinctive peak with a hole through its center, which is a well-known landmark.Rescue operations began immediately after the crash, but the recovery efforts were complicated by the remote location and difficult weather. Tragically, all onboard lost their lives, resulting in one of the worst aviation disasters in Norwegian history. Investigations revealed that the aircraft was attempting a maneuver that would typically be safe under normal circumstances but proved disastrous due to the environmental factors present during the approach. The findings provided critical insights into airline safety protocols, leading to enhanced training for pilots and better navigational aids in the region to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Why Does it Matter?

The crash of Widerøe Flight 710 remains a significant event in Norwegian aviation history. It prompted a reevaluation of safety standards and procedures regarding flights operating in challenging terrains, particularly in mountainous regions. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of weather assessments and cockpit resource management in aviation. In light of this tragedy, the airline industry took steps to improve flight operations, which have contributed to safer air travel in Norway and beyond.

Discover More Historic Events from May 6th

Cultural Traditions

Charles III and Camilla's Coronation Ceremony

May 6th, 2023 1 years ago

The coronation of Charles III and Camilla, alongside the rich traditions of the monarchy, took place in Westminster Abbey. This ceremonial event included a procession through the streets of London, allowing public participation and celebration. Significant highlights included the oath-taking, anointing with holy oil, and the Crowning. The event marked the formal beginning of their reign and was attended by representatives from various nations.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Mass Shooting in Allen, Texas, Claims Lives

May 6th, 2023 1 years ago

A mass shooting occurred at the Allen Premium Outlets, resulting in eight fatalities and seven injuries. The shooter opened fire in a crowded area, prompting immediate police response. An officer fatally shot the perpetrator, preventing further violence. The incident sparked discussions on gun control and public safety.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Three Kidnapped Women Found Alive in Cleveland

May 6th, 2013 11 years ago

Three women, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight, were found alive in a house in Cleveland, Ohio, after being kidnapped and missing for over a decade. Amanda Berry escaped from the house and sought help from a neighbor, leading to the discovery of the women. Ariel Castro, the kidnapper, was arrested, and it was revealed that all three women had endured severe abuse during their captivity.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

Dow Jones Experiences Massive 1000 Point Drop

May 6th, 2010 14 years ago

In a rapid and unprecedented market disruption, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 1,000 points in just 36 minutes. This occurred during trading hours amid concerns about the eurozone debt crisis and high-frequency trading activities. The sudden plunge shook investor confidence and highlighted vulnerabilities within automated trading systems. The market volatility prompted regulators to investigate the causes and implement measures to prevent future flash crashes.

Continue Reading
Entertainment

Friends Finale Marks End of a Television Era

May 6th, 2004 20 years ago

The final episode of the sitcom Friends aired, concluding its ten-season run. Set in New York City, the series focused on a group of friends navigating life and love. The series finale featured emotional farewells and significant resolutions for beloved characters Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Chandler Bing, Joey Tribbiani, and Phoebe Buffay. The episode attracted over 52 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched series finales in television history, reflecting the show's immense popularity and cultural impact.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Founding of SpaceX by Elon Musk

May 6th, 2002 22 years ago

SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk to revolutionize space travel and reduce costs associated with launching payloads into orbit. Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, the company aimed to create a new era of aerospace advancement. Musk's vision was driven by a desire to make space exploration more affordable and accessible. He believed that through innovation and technology, commercial space travel could be transformed, ultimately making it possible for humans to inhabit other planets.

Continue Reading