The Erebus Crash was, and continues to be of significance to New Zealander's. When Chippindale’s “Official Accident Report” was released, and then Mahon’s Royal Commission Inquiry began, the country was split in two. The nation was divided in the controversial blame that was placed on the pilots. One half of the population believed that Chippindale’s report was right to appoint blame with the pilots and flight crew, and the other half believe that there were more factors involved with the crash.
The significance of the crash extended further than politics and blame however. On the 22nd of February, an interdenominational burial service was held at Waikumete Cemetery for the unidentified victims. New Zealander's all around the country also gathered for similar memorial services that were held for the passengers and crews. The public of New Zealand was bought together during a time of national mourning. There were messages of sympathy sent in by organisations as well as individuals who had no links to the crash or its victims apart from the fact that they had previously flown with Air New Zealand.
The Erebus Disaster remains as one of the largest catastrophes to have struck New Zealand. It is one of the most controversial air accidents in recent history, and the last recorded moments of the flight have received much publicity. As anniversaries of the tragedy are remembered, the controversies that surround the crash are continued to be brought up and scrutinized.
The significance of the crash extended further than politics and blame however. On the 22nd of February, an interdenominational burial service was held at Waikumete Cemetery for the unidentified victims. New Zealander's all around the country also gathered for similar memorial services that were held for the passengers and crews. The public of New Zealand was bought together during a time of national mourning. There were messages of sympathy sent in by organisations as well as individuals who had no links to the crash or its victims apart from the fact that they had previously flown with Air New Zealand.
The Erebus Disaster remains as one of the largest catastrophes to have struck New Zealand. It is one of the most controversial air accidents in recent history, and the last recorded moments of the flight have received much publicity. As anniversaries of the tragedy are remembered, the controversies that surround the crash are continued to be brought up and scrutinized.