Snow disaster, 1979-11-28

Rights Information
Reference
38627
Media type
Audio
Item unavailable online
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Rights Information
Reference
38627
Media type
Audio
Item unavailable online
Categories
Documentary radio programs
Nonfiction radio programs
Radio programs
Sound recordings
Duration
00:21:52
Credits
RNZ Collection
Goldson, Annie, News presenter
Minson, Peter, Reporter
Thompson, Bob, Interviewee
Hatherton, Trevor, 1924-1992, Interviewee
BLOXHAM, Les, Interviewee
Radio New Zealand (estab. 1989)

A documentary called Snow Disaster, about the Air New Zealand DC 10 crash on Mt. Erebus on November 28, 1979.
(Opens with recording or re-creation of cockpit audio of a flight taking off.)

The documentary then reuses the news programme Checkpoint's coverage of the crash from 29 Nov 1979, presented by Annie Goldson.

Interview with Dr Bob Thompson, head of the Antarctic Division of the DSIR describing the site of the crash and saying because of the conditions it is unlikely all the bodies will be able to be recovered.

Radio New Zealand journalist Peter Minson recounts the timeline of the flight and crash.
He outlines the previous criticism of civilian tourist flights to the region, due partly to the lack of adequate rescue facilities. DSIR press officer Keith Clegg has said the DSIR Antarctic scientific personnel have now had to turn into rescue personnel, which they are not trained for. Press travel writer Les Bloxham has also been critical in the past of the tourism flights.

Dr Trevor Hatherton, Director of Geophysics at the DSIR is interviewed by telephone. He doesn't believe flying to the Antarctic is inherently more difficult except at low altitudes. He also supports the DC10 aircraft, which has had a troubled history recently.

Dr Paul Haller [?] specialist in aerospace law, was interviewed via a very poor telephone line, so his comments are read in studio. He explains the process of the air accident investigation and the significance of finding the flight recorder. He also comments on the legal implications for Air New Zealand.

Dr Bob Thompson speaks at a press conference about the recovery process and the impact the disaster has had on the Antarctic personnel.