Statement in full

Press, 29 April 1981, Page 3

Statement in full

PA Auckland The following is a text of a statement by Air New Zealand’s chairman, Mr C. W. Mace, issued yesterday after the board meeting to consider the Erebus crash report. "The tragedy of Erebus, and the contribution found to have been made to it by certain employees of the company, is deeply regretted by the board. This is the case, notwithstanding the commission's conclusion, that ‘the collision of the aircraft with the mountain slopes was a million-to-one chance.’

The findings and allegations made against the company, its chief executive, and a number of senior employees fall into three basic categories: • There were errors of omission and commission in the performance of their duties; ® That evidence was given by individuals which was false; • That there was ‘a predetermined plan of deception’ involving the chief executive and executive pilots and navigation section witnesses which led to an ‘orchestrated litany of lies.’ As to the second and third categories, the extravagant conclusions were not put to those allegedly involved. Nor was evidence advanced before the commission or stated in the report to justify these allegations. These are grave deficiencies, and accordingly, the board has instructed counsel to advise on this matter with a view to the urgent issue of proceeding 9 in the High Court have also been instructed to report urgently on any other matters, where this is an unsubstantiated or unfair finding. against the integrity

of individuals in the company’s employ. The board reaffirms its faith in the honesty and integrity of men who have served the company in varying capacities with distinction to themselves and satisfaction to the company. The report draws attention to administrative deficiencies which are said to have existed in the flight operations division of the airline. The board has decided that an independent firm of consultants will be retained to investigate and report on this issue as a matter of urgency. This report will be made available to the Ministry of Transport. The board is currently considering disciplinary procedures in respect of employees where findings have been made against them of deficiencies in the performance of their duties.

The board has sought further urgent advice from counsel on the contents of the report of the Commission, the Chippindale report, and conflicts which existed between them. When this advice is available it may be necessary for the board to take further action.