Norwegian Broadcasting radio news this Sunday morning at 06:00 reports that the crew was flying with the autopilot off, and that there were no known technical malfunctions with the plane. The flight was on a routine mission from Evenes in Norway to Kiruna in Sweden to pick up personnel and cargo before returning, and was already on approach ("under innflyvning") to land at Kiruna. The usual flight path is well north of the mountains, where the actual altitude would be normal.
A Hercules following 10 minutes behind reported that they were allowed to "fly tactical" (manually) if weather permitted. Weather was changing fast, but was probably better before the accident than previously reported.
More details in the link below from Aftenposten.no, where Google Translate may replace "Evenes" with "Glasgow". All heights are originally stated in meters, not feet:
Google Oversetter
Original article in Norwegian here:
- Sannsynligvis fløy de taktisk - Aftenposten
Nordic pilots are, of course, familiar with the whiteout-effect and other winter conditions. Moreover, the height of mountains is part of primary school teaching in both Norway and Sweden. Kebnekaise is well-known even to civilians.
The emergency transmitter HAS been found, but was not working and will be investigated. Search continues for the FDR and CVR with hopes that they have survived the impact.
Better weather forecast for this Sunday:
Hourly forecast for Kebnekaise Sydtopp, Norrbotten (Sweden)
