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.