Deep Dive
Why did the New Zealand Airlines Flight 901 crash into Mount Erebus?
The crash occurred because the flight coordinates were altered by New Zealand Airlines without notifying the crew. The plane was supposed to fly over McMurdo Bay but instead deviated 45 kilometers and flew directly over Mount Erebus. The crew, unaware of the change, believed they were still on the correct path. Additionally, a phenomenon known as 'whiteout' likely obscured the mountain, making it invisible to the pilots until it was too late.
What was the initial cause of the crash according to the first investigation report?
The initial investigation report blamed the crash on Captain Collins' severe error, stating that he violated the flight safety regulation by descending below the minimum safe altitude of 1830 meters. The report concluded that the plane was not over McMurdo Bay but was instead flying towards Mount Erebus, leading to the fatal collision.
What was the final conclusion of the second investigation into the Flight 901 crash?
The second investigation, led by Judge Peter Mahon, concluded that the primary cause of the crash was New Zealand Airlines' alteration of the flight coordinates without informing the crew. This led to the plane deviating from its intended path and flying over Mount Erebus. The report also accused the airline's management of conspiring to cover up the truth.
What was the significance of the whiteout phenomenon in the Flight 901 crash?
The whiteout phenomenon likely played a critical role in the crash by obscuring Mount Erebus from the pilots' view. The crew, believing they were flying over McMurdo Bay, did not realize they were heading directly towards the mountain. The whiteout created an optical illusion where the horizon appeared to be clear, masking the impending danger.
How did New Zealand Airlines respond to the findings of the second investigation?
New Zealand Airlines initially appealed the findings of the second investigation, claiming the report was inaccurate. They won the appeal in a local court, but Judge Mahon took the case to the British Privy Council, which upheld the findings. The council ruled that the crash was caused by the altered flight plan and that the crew was not at fault, but it also found insufficient evidence to support the claim of a management conspiracy.
What was the public reaction to the initial investigation report on the Flight 901 crash?
The public largely rejected the initial investigation report, which blamed Captain Collins for the crash. Many questioned how an experienced crew with over 19,000 combined flight hours could have made such a catastrophic error, especially given the clear visibility at the time. The report's failure to explain the plane's significant deviation from its intended path further fueled skepticism.
What was the role of the GPWS (Ground Proximity Warning System) in the Flight 901 crash?
The GPWS repeatedly warned the crew that the plane was approaching the ground, even though they believed they were flying at a safe altitude. Despite the warnings, the crew was unable to avoid the collision with Mount Erebus. The system's alerts, including 'Full up' and altitude readings, were the last recorded communications before the crash.
What was the significance of the Flight 901 crash in New Zealand's history?
The Flight 901 crash is the deadliest aviation disaster in New Zealand's history, with 237 passengers and 20 crew members losing their lives. It surpassed the death toll of the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, which claimed 256 lives. The crash led to significant changes in aviation safety protocols and remains a somber reminder of the consequences of human error and mismanagement.
- 新西兰航空901航班坠毁
- 257名乘客和机组人员遇难
- 航班原计划飞往南极洲进行观光
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