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The Erebus cross at the site where the Air New Zealand DC10 crashed in Antarctica - Source: ONE News -
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Helicopters have flown family members of victims of the Erebus air disaster over the mountain, but harsh conditions prevented them from landing.
The family members were due to land at the Erebus crash site to hold a brief ceremony in memory of their loved ones.
"It is disappointing but hey we're here at the whim of the weather and obviously the mountain didn't want us there today," says Pip Collins, pilot's daughter.
Scott Base says the helicopters tried hard to land for about 20 minutes, but were not able to touch down because of high 55-75kmh winds.
"They got a very good view over Lewis Bay, but the plane was completely buried," Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Lou Sanson says.
The wreckage had not been seen since the 25th anniversary of the crash.
"Amazing that there was absolutely no wreckage to see, none at all. And in a way we hope it stays that way now. It's probably time it was buried," says Fran Kell, family member.
The landing was postponed and the helicopters have returned to Scott Base.
It was holiday weekend with Thanksgiving so they would not be able to attempt to fly to the site over the weekend, but would look at doing it on Monday before the family members left, he says.
Senior Antarctica New Zealand representative Ian Miller says there will be another ceremony for family members.
Six family members of those killed 30 years ago arrived in Antarctica just before 3pm Friday.
It is 30 years on Saturday since an Air New Zealand DC10 crashed into Mount Erebus, killing all 257 passengers and crew on board.
It is the first time relatives have been able to visit the site since the accident on November 28, 1979, and some of the bodies were never recovered.
Air New Zealand is also planning services in Auckland and
Christchurch to mark the anniversary.
What are your memories of the Erebus tragedy? Have you got
a message to share with the families. Comment on our
messagboard.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentPaulNZ said on 2009-11-28 @ 18:12 NZDT: Report abusive post
For someone whom has lost 2 on the flight a fly by whislt nice would not cover it. Air NZ have given 6 the opportunity which is all that could logistically be able to to contend with in the location which is not like its downtown. I commend Air NZ for the opportunity they have provided even though its for a few. It was a NZ tradegy and my feeling was New Zealand failed to look after those that were affected and no single company or person can be blaimed.
martins_chc_nz said on 2009-11-28 @ 12:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
I find it odd how little credit has been given to the US Antarctic Program for their involvement in this event. It was their plane, not Air New Zealand, or Antarctica NZ who flew the family members down to the ice. And all credit to Mike Pero, good on you mate. Why Air new Zealand would not send ALL the families down is just questionable beyond belief. Are those 6 more important than the others or is it simply yet another occurance of corporate greed being more important than compassion.
chrispy said on 2009-11-26 @ 16:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
I believe Air New Zealand should start looking at its self with regardsa to be respectful. I took this so called iconic company 30 years to get up the guts to appologise, that is if you can call that episode an appology. Good on Mike Pero. Air New Zealand should put on a flight for All the Families, who lost loved ones, Feee of Any Cost..!!!
Lulu45 said on 2009-11-26 @ 10:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think the gesture is great, however, Air New Zealand should be taking all the families that suffered this tragedy down and they should be apologising for the errors that were made - 30 years on the wounds are still raw and it is time to heal
Mananan said on 2009-11-26 @ 08:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think Mike is just giving more people who lost someone a chance to see the site. Air New Zealand, if you really cared, you would fill up an enitre aircraft of family and friends of the victims for free, rather than the pathetic effort of 6 that you have done.