Norway probes 1982 mystery crash

The Otter is widely used in remote, frozen locations

The Norwegian Government has ordered an investigation into the possible involvement of British fighter jets in the mysterious crash of a Norwegian commuter plane 20 years ago.

The Twin Otter plane crashed into the sea in Norway's Arctic north in March 1982, killing all 15 people on board.

Earlier investigations concluded the plane's tail fin had been damaged by turbulence, and discounted reports by witnesses who said they had seen British fighter planes close to the crash site.

But a documentary aired by Norwegian television on Tuesday featured several witnesses - including a retired Norwegian air force officer - saying two Royal Air Force planes approached the site just before the accident.

Transport Minister Torild Skogsholm said she would establish a special investigating commission within a few days.

'Technical problems'

The accident occurred in Norway's northernmost province of Finnmark.

Although Norway - like Britain - is a member of Nato, it declared Finnmark off limits to the alliance during the Cold War.

Norway was worried military activity in the province, might provoke the neighbouring Soviet Union.

In the television documentary retired Norwegian Lieutenant-Colonel Per Garvin said he watched by radar as two British Harriers entered Finnmark.

He said one of the pilots requested an immediate landing because of technical problems after the commuter plane crashed.

"Even though I asked, he didn't say what sort of technical problems," Mr Garvin told the programme.

The documentary says at least 30 other witnesses reported seeing foreign aircraft over Finnmark on that day.

The Norwegian military said it would release all documents related to the crash.