About this episode

This episode explores a catastrophic aviation accident in New Zealand and the political context surrounding President Carter's election loss.

It was supposed to be a picturesque and luxurious sightseeing tour over Antarctica. One filled with wonder and awe, in a tour that had cultivated a reputation for giving passengers the “trip of a lifetime.” But what began as an adventurous flight near Mt. Erebus, the southernmost active volcano in the world, became one of New Zealand’s most catastrophic accidents. What really happened? And who was ultimately responsible? Meanwhile, President Carter had just lost the election to Ronald Regan, who announced the release of the hostages in Iran the same day he was inaugurated. Was this timing a coincidence, or did President Carter get a bad deal? Join us for the final episode of the series, Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew.

People in this episode

Host: Sharon McMahon

Topics covered

• 1970s history
• aviation disasters
• political events
• New Zealand
• presidential elections

Keywords

• 1970s
• aviation
• disaster
• politics
• Carter
• Reagan
• New Zealand
• Mt. Erebus

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Antarctica, Mt. Erebus, New Zealand

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• Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 11 · June 15, 2026 · 38 min

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