SilkAir crash victims lament investigation proceedings

 In a joint six-page statement marking the second anniversary of the December 19, 1997 crash of the SilkAir jet, the families expressed their lingering disappointment over the inquiry and the Singapore authorities' alleged lack of concern for them.

 "The lack of transparency and updates from the investigation process and the (seeming) lack of concern by the relevant parties in answering the various safety related questions which have arisen, has greatly increased the burden of the families," the Families of SilkAir MI185 Association said.

 "From day one, it has been observed that a veil of silence existed in relation to the progress and findings of the investigation since the crash.

 "As a result of this veil of silence, it has led to many allegations and theories by the world's media and aviation industries and organizations that continue to this day. These allegations continue to cause indescribable stress to the families," they said.

 The investigation is being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission (AAIC) of Indonesia, which issued a preliminary report in August that hinted at the possibility that the crash may have been deliberately caused by one of the pilots.

The families asked the AAIC to "release immediately," among other items, information on the nature of Captain Tsu Way Ming's financial problems and their findings into allegations over his behavior on previous flights, a transcript of the cockpit voice recording, and examinations into various parts of the aircraft that were salvaged.

 They also expressed "utmost disappointment" over Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's refusal to meet with the families.

"The requests for a meeting were made more to help the Prime Minister be aware of our numerous concerns not only with regards to the crash investigation but also on the subject of aviation safety generally.

 "In addition, on a human level, this extra pat on the shoulder by the Prime Minister himself would mean a great deal to us all," they said.

 The crash occurred over the Indonesian city of Palembang on Sumatra island, as the jet was en route to Singapore from Jakarta. It was the worst crash in Singapore aviation history.

 Indonesia and Singapore have since referred the probe to their respective police.

 SilkAir is a regional subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Ltd.