When Maria Collins’ husband left for work on the morning of November 28, 1979, he was in a great mood – he was excited.
What lay ahead of the 45-year-old wasn’t his typical day on the job and he was, no doubt, looking forward to telling his young family all about what he had seen when he returned home for tea that night.
An experienced pilot of more than 20 years, Captain Jim Collins was flying flight TE901 from Auckland Airport to Antarctica for an 11-hour return sightseeing trip – his first time to the continent.
It is a day now forever known as one of New Zealand’s most tragic – a day when 257 lives were lost on the lower slopes of Mount Erebus.
This week, we remember those who perished in the disaster, as well as recognising the countless lives that were forever changed.
First, we go back in time to May 18, 1981. Eighteen months had passed since Maria got a phone call that made her blood run cold, when Captain Dave Eden, the director of flight operations at Air New Zealand called to let her know they were getting concerned about Jim’s flight.
“We haven’t heard from him for a while. Are you on your own?” he asked.
By 9pm, hope had all but disappeared as she watched broadcaster Philip Sherry say the aircraft had by now run out of fuel and there was still no sign of it.
What came next was a living nightmare for Maria, who opened up to the Weekly about the aftermath of our worst aviation disaster in history.
MARIA’S FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH
For the widow of Captain Jim Collins the distress of the past 18 months – during which with other crew relatives she feels she has had to shoulder the brunt of the blame for the Mount Erebus disaster – has been eased by the “hollow victory” of the Royal Commission report.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 25 2019-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 25 2019-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK