A disastrous blunder by Canaries keeper Robert Green gifted Derby County a priceless win under the leadership of caretaker boss George Burley.
The luckless Green kicked fresh air when Darren Kenton played a back pass to him in the 56th minute and was unable to prevent it crossing the line as he scrambled back.
The massed Norwich fans behind the goal, who had taunted Rams keeper Andy Oakes in the first half for his own wayward kicking could only watch on in horror.
It proved costly to Norwich's play-off hopes and by the same token boosted the Rams survival hopes.
Perhaps it was no surprise that the home team were fastest out of the blocks as they looked to impress their temporary boss with Simo Valakari restored to the line up after falling out of favour with suspended boss John Gregory.
And it was against the run of play when the visitors took the lead with the first shot of the match.
Paul McVeigh was allowed to wander infield from the left wing and he curled a stunning 25 yarder in off the post with Oakes well beaten.
The Canaries should have extended their lead with Darel Russell missing several chances before Oakes had to be at his best to deny Clint Easton.
But Derby drew level with a stunning move that saw Fabrizio Ravanelli spread play to Paul Boertien whose left-wing cross was fired into the roof of the net by Craig Burley.
The second half was a breathless affair and Derby had several golden chances to secure an impressive victory but substitutes Izale McLeod and Adam Bolder missed four clear-cut chances.
And in the end it was keeper Oakes who saved the day with a number of brave catches as Norwich bombarded the penalty area in the vain hope of getting an equaliser.