Just Culture at a crossroads: The Widerøe Case - A study of reporting behavior in Norwegian aviation post Helge Ingstad case

Abstract

At 04:01 on November 8th, 2018, the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad collided with the tanker Sola TS near the Sture Terminal in the Hjeltefjord, eventually sinking. Of the 137 crew members, seven sustained minor injuries. While initial media attention focused on the collision, it later shifted to the legal proceedings. A single individual was convicted, with findings from the Accident Investigation Board Norway's report frequently cited, despite the report explicitly stating it should not be used to assign blame but to improve safety. This practice has been argued to undermine safety and reporting cultures in aviation, rail, heavy transport, and maritime industries.

This study explores this issue through the research question: “How has reporting in Widerøe developed in recent years, and how may the Helge Ingstad accident and subsequent trial have affected it?”

A mixed-method approach was used. Quantitative analysis examined Widerøe's reporting statistics from January 2018 to January 2025, while qualitative interviews with pilots explored factors influencing reporting practices.

Findings showed an increase in reporting, particularly voluntary reports, but interviews revealed concerns about maintaining the principles of just culture. Pilots familiar with the Helge Ingstad case reported providing less detail and downplaying mistakes. The accident was perceived to have reduced report detail, heightened awareness of legal risks, and raised concerns about external threats to just culture from police and prosecution authorities. While a high level of just culture was seen within Widerøe, trust in external authorities was diminished, posing challenges to reporting.