DHC-3 Otter Crash in Rugged Coastal Terrain Near Tromsø (LN-FAE)

Flight Details and Weather Conditions The aircraft, a DHC-3 Otter equipped with amphibious floats, departed Tromsø at 1015 hours for a scheduled flight to Harstad. The crew consisted of the pilot and a company mechanic serving as an assistant, with three passengers on board. Weather conditions were poor, characterized by low cloud, heavy snow showers, and reduced visibility. ## Deviation from Planned Route Due to the adverse conditions, the pilot decided to divert from the track specified in the company's route manual. This change of route was not reported to air traffic control because of poor radio coverage at low altitude. The area is described as a very rugged coastal region with numerous fjords and inlets amidst mountains rising to four thousand feet. ## The Accident As the Otter flew on the west side of Rossfjord, approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Tromsø, visibility dropped further. The pilot told his assistant, “We'll cut across here, I know this area,” and initiated a right turn. Eyewitness reports placed the aircraft at this time between 100 feet and 25 feet above the ice-covered fjord, although the pilot later claimed he was flying at 500 feet. Immediately after starting the turn, the right wingtip and float made contact with the ground. The aircraft was thrown to the left at the first impact and crashed at a 35-degree angle to its direction of travel. It caught fire and was burnt to destruction. ## Casualties All five occupants survived the crash. However, one passenger and the pilot's assistant suffered severe burns and were flown by helicopter to a hospital in Tromsø.