Accident
On a charter flight from Amsterdam-Schiphol to Tønsberg-Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway, the aircraft struck treetops and crashed in flames in a dense pinewood near Drangedal, approximately 35 km southwest of Skien. The flight was carrying 26 Norwegian tourists returning home from a cruise between Antarctic and Rotterdam. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire. Eight passengers and all three crew members were killed; 18 other occupants were injured.
Aircraft and Occupants
The flight was operated under charter, transporting 26 passengers and an undisclosed number of crew. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator. All three crew members and eight passengers perished in the accident.
Investigation
According to official findings, the accident resulted from faulty navigation on the part of the flying crew, who were apparently not following the correct approach path to Tønsberg-Jarlsberg Airport. The airport is located 78 km northeast of the crash site. While flying in marginal weather conditions, the pilot-in-command did not recognize that the aircraft's altitude was too low before it hit the trees.
The probable cause of the accident was stated as the crew's failure to follow the proper approach procedure, leading to navigation errors and controlled flight into terrain.