Today marks the 30th anniversary of the loss of TE901. From Australia this disaster was tragic and, at the time, incomprehensible. How much worse for a country where many had connections with those on board?
The controversy around the causes of the accident and various investigations did little to console the families and friends of those lost on the slopes of Mt. Erebus. 30 years on there is still considerable debate about how it happened. To those of New Zealand, still suffering after the loss of loved ones, there is little left for many of us to offer but our continued sympathy and renewed commitment that prevention of such accidents is what the aviation world is very much about these days.
To NZALPA thanks again for this incredible resource. From a technical point of view Erebus became a pivotal point in the understanding of the vital importance of data management in the modern era. It serves as a lesson to us all that we can ill afford mistakes at any stage of the flight.
For the friends and families our thoughts are with you on this 30th anniversary. For the crew and passengers of TE901, may they rest in peace. For the rest of us may we never forget them or the lessons learned from their passing.
Robert Mason
President, Civil Air Australia
28 Nov 2009