Air New Zealand 901 Bodies

The National Erebus Memorial Project

The Erebus Disaster

On November 28, 1979, Air New Zealand Flight 901, a DC-10, crashed into the slopes of Mount Erebus on Ross Island, Antarctica, killing all 257 people on board. The accident was the deadliest in New Zealand's history.

The Victims

The victims of the Erebus disaster came from a variety of backgrounds. They included New Zealanders, Australians, Americans, Canadians, British, and Japanese. Many of the victims were tourists who were on their way to Antarctica to see the wildlife and scenery. Others were scientists and researchers who were working at the Scott Base research station on Ross Island.

The Investigation

The investigation into the Erebus disaster concluded that the accident was caused by a combination of factors, including poor weather conditions, a lack of visibility, and a navigation error by the pilots. The investigation also found that the crew of the aircraft had not been properly trained for flying in Antarctica.

The Memorial

In 1985, a memorial was erected on the slopes of Mount Erebus to commemorate the victims of the disaster. The memorial is a simple stone cairn with a plaque that bears the names of the victims. The memorial is a place where people can come to remember the victims of the disaster and to reflect on the importance of safety in aviation.

Conclusion

The Erebus disaster was a tragedy that claimed the lives of 257 people. The disaster was caused by a combination of human error and mechanical failure. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in aviation.