Graybeard: The F/E’s comment was made 26 seconds before impact and the captain reacted to it within six seconds, so there isn’t much in that. Of more interest is the decision to turn left.
0049.24GMT F/E Brooks “I don’t like this”
Six seconds later - Capt. Collins: “We’re twenty six miles north we’ll have to climb out of this”
Three seconds later – F/O Cassin: “It’s clear on the right and (well) ahead”
Capt. Collins: “Is it?”
Five seconds later – F/O Cassin: “Yes you’re clear to turn right there’s no high”
Capt. Collins: “No negative”
F/O Cassin: “No high ground if you do a one eighty”
Four seconds later, Capt. Collins pulled out the Heading Select knob and initiated a LEFT turn using the autopilot.
Two seconds later, the GPWS sounded.
Six seconds later, impact.
Why go left if you think you’re in the middle of McMurdo Sound with high ground to left and with your F/O recommending a right turn? Answer: Pennies started to drop.