I clearly remember walking past the Air NZ passenger lounge that fateful day to my 737-200 we were to fly to Apia with Polynesian Airlines.We "jostled" with TE901 parked next to us to try to get pushed first which we did.They taxied right behind us.Hearing the basic news the next day was a horrible shock.
I cant understand all of this silly arguing and discussion now going on.The DC10 crashed because the Captain decided to embark on a VISUAL descent into unfamiliar terrain without actually being in visual conditions and not knowing his actual position.It is just not acceptable to descend to 1500 feet in an area with a 16000 foot MSA in such conditions.Yes we have likely all done it at least once in our careers but the lesson from TE901 must never be forgotten.RIP.