What happened
A scheduled flight departing Tromso for Harstad encountered severe weather conditions, including heavy snow showers, low cloud cover, and limited visibility. The crew, consisting of the pilot and a company mechanic, was accompanied by three passengers on the DHC-3 Otter equipped with amphibious floats. Due to the deteriorating weather, the pilot deviated from the established route manual path. This deviation was not communicated to air traffic control because radio signal strength was insufficient at the low altitude being flown.
While navigating the west side of Rossfjord, approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Tromso, visibility decreased further. The pilot attempted a right turn across the fjord area. Eyewitnesses observed the aircraft flying at an extremely low altitude, estimated between 25 and 100 feet above the ice-covered surface, though the pilot later stated he was at 500 feet. During this maneuver, the right wingtip and float struck the ground. The impact forced the aircraft to roll left, causing it to crash at a 35-degree angle. The subsequent impact triggered a fire that destroyed the airframe.
All five occupants survived the accident. However, one passenger and the mechanic sustained severe burns and required helicopter transport to a hospital in Tromso.
Findings
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the turn toward higher terrain. It remained unclear if the intent was to perform a 180-degree turn to exit the fjord or to climb over a mountain ridge. Investigators determined that the pilot's decision to turn toward rising terrain was the primary factor. If the goal was to exit the fjord, a left-hand turn would have been appropriate; if the intent was to clear the ridge, the aircraft's weight and performance would have prevented it from successfully ascending over the obstacle.