On Friday evening, a flight operated by Norwegian regional airline Widerøe was aborted under complicated circumstances when the aircraft had to return to Bergen due to severe turbulence. Flight WF516 from Bergen to Molde, operated by a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 (registration LN-WDP), encountered a situation that resulted in injuries to two people. Norwegian police have now launched an investigation to look into the incident in more detail and to determine any possible causes of the severe turbulence.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, when the passengers on board the plane had a dramatic experience. According to eyewitnesses and passengers, the plane suddenly experienced a violent downward movement that hit the occupants with full force. This led to an immediate change of course and the pilots decided to turn the plane around and return to Bergen. The quick return flight was necessary to ensure the safety of the passengers, as the turbulence proved to be too dangerous.
Some passengers reported an abrupt change in altitude, which caused items in the cabin to become detached and injured passengers and crew members. Two people suffered minor injuries. One passenger and one crew member received medical treatment after landing in Bergen. Fortunately, the injuries were not serious, so treatment on site was sufficient.
The fact that the incident occurred under such circumstances has raised concerns among those involved. In particular, the sudden nature of the turbulence and the severity of the loss of altitude raise questions about the causes and the precautions taken by the airline.
airline's measures
Widerøe responded promptly to the incident and ensured that the affected passengers were supported. After the emergency landing in Bergen, the travelers were provided with hotel accommodation and rebooked on the next available flight. The airline confirmed that it had done everything possible to help the passengers in this unexpected situation and to defuse the incident.
The affected passengers, 62 in total, had to abort the flight due to the unforeseen circumstances and remain in Bergen. For many, the need to change to a later flight presented a logistical challenge. Widerøe stressed that the aircraft's return to Bergen was a precautionary measure to ensure the safe continuation of the flight. The crew acted in accordance with safety regulations.
Despite the incident, the airline was able to confirm that safety protocols were effectively followed. The injured received the necessary medical treatment and the incident was dealt with quickly without any serious consequences. In its statement, the airline expressed confidence that it had handled the incident with the appropriate measures.
Initial investigations and possible causes
The Norwegian police have launched an investigation following the incident to determine possible causes for the unusually strong turbulence. The incident is also being examined by the Norwegian Aviation Authority, among others, to determine whether there may have been a technical fault or an unusual weather situation that could have caused the turbulence.
Turbulence is not uncommon in aviation and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including weather systems, mountain air currents, or other atmospheric conditions. In this particular case, however, the intensity of the turbulence was apparently so severe that passengers were injured and a return to Bergen was necessary.
Investigators will now look into whether the turbulence was caused by the weather in the region, such as a thunderstorm front or strong winds. They will also examine whether the crew was sufficiently prepared for such a situation. So far there is no evidence that technical or human error could have played a role. However, the investigation is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Impact on the airline and future flights
Although the incident caused a short-term disruption to the flight schedule, it does not appear to have any long-term impact on Widerøe. The airline remains committed to continuing operations as usual and ensuring a high level of safety for its passengers. The fact that the crew reacted quickly and appropriately in this situation shows the professionalism of the airline's employees.
Going forward, Widerøe will certainly continue to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents, including regular training for crew and continuous review of safety protocols. The airline has also announced that it will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to fully clarify the causes of this incident.
The incident on Widerøe flight WF516 on 10 February 2025 is a serious incident that has attracted the attention of both passengers and aviation authorities. The dramatic turbulence, which resulted in two minor injuries, has put safety standards to the test. The investigation will clarify the exact causes, and Widerøe has already taken measures to minimise the impact of the incident and to help passengers. Despite the incident, the airline remains optimistic that it will be able to carry its passengers safely and reliably in the future.
and 