The Tragic Flight Over Antarctica: The Story of Air New Zealand Flight TE901

A Journey to the Frozen Continent

At around 1:00 p.m. on November 28, 1979, Peter Mulgrew, a 52-year-old tour guide, stood at the front of the cabin of Air New Zealand Flight TE901. As he gazed out the window, he saw a breathtaking expanse of white, reflecting the afternoon sun. Excited by the view, he grabbed the microphone and announced to the 237 passengers that they were now flying over Antarctica.

The excitement inside the cabin was palpable. Passengers eagerly pulled out their cameras, snapping photos of the stunning landscape below. Many even got out of their seats, moving around to find the best angles for their pictures. Under normal circumstances, such behavior would be strictly prohibited on a commercial flight, but Flight TE901 was no ordinary flight—it was a sightseeing expedition.

The Purpose of Flight TE901

Air New Zealand regularly operated sightseeing flights that departed from New Zealand, flew over Antarctica, and then returned. The journey provided travelers with a rare opportunity to witness the continent’s beauty from above, with a tour guide pointing out notable landmarks along the way.

Peter Mulgrew was an experienced guide for these flights. He knew exactly when and where to look for the most breathtaking views. After a few minutes, he called out to the passengers:

“If you look out the left side of the plane, you’ll get a great view of the coast of Antarctica.”

In response, the passengers eagerly moved to the left side, pressing their cameras against the windows to capture the icy landscape. A few minutes later, Peter announced another highlight:

“Now look out the right side, where you’ll see Mount Erebus—this huge, stunning mountain.”

Passengers shifted to the right side, eager to witness the towering, snow-covered peak. As expected, many gasped in awe at the sheer size and beauty of the mountain.

The Unexpected Tragedy

Then, in an instant, the plane jolted violently. At that very moment, a passenger on the right side took a chilling photograph. The image showed black marks on the window, which investigators later determined to be engine oil or soot from Mount Erebus.

What the passengers didn’t realize was that Mount Erebus was an active volcano. The flight path of TE901 was intended to safely circle around the mountain to offer a panoramic view. However, navigational errors led the pilots directly into the path of disaster. Before the crew could correct their course, the plane collided with the volcano, resulting in a catastrophic crash.

The Worst Aviation Disaster in New Zealand’s History

All 237 passengers and crew members lost their lives, making the crash of Flight TE901 the worst aviation disaster in New Zealand’s history. The shocking tragedy led to major investigations and changes in aviation regulations. As a result, Air New Zealand permanently discontinued its Antarctic sightseeing flights.

The final photograph taken by a passenger remains a haunting reminder of that fateful moment, capturing the last few seconds before impact. What was meant to be a dream journey to the world’s most remote continent became one of aviation’s most devastating tragedies.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top