Douglas DC-3 accident at Fredrikstad, Norway, 21 Apr 1944 (D-AAIG)
On April 21, 1944, a Douglas DC-3 (registration D-AAIG) operated by Deutsche Lufthansa was involved in an aviation accident near Fredrikstad, Norway in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that a signal flare accidentally activated in the cockpit, spreading smoke and forcing the crew to ditch the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It was determined that a signal flare accidentally activated in the cockpit, spreading smoke and forcing the crew to ditch the aircraft.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
While cruising some 80 km south of Oslo, smoke spread in the cockpit. Crew reduced his altitude and attempted to make an emergency landing off Fredrikstad. The crew of a ship was quickly on the scene and was able to rescue eleven passengers while all nine other occupants, among them all three crew members, were killed. The aircraft was lost.
Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that a signal flare accidentally activated in the cockpit, spreading smoke and forcing the crew to ditch the aircraft.