Air NZ incident highlights safety

Use of emergency oxygen masks in focus

Investigators have identified problems with Air New Zealand crew not following checklists and training in the use of emergency oxygen masks following a potentially dangerous depressurisation incident aboard an Auckland-bound plane.

An unexpected loss of cabin pressure can cause both passengers and crew to lose consciousness rapidly from a lack of oxygen and has been the cause of fatal crashes overseas.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission was unable to i dentify t he cause of t he depressurisation aboard the 737 plane with 81 passengers and crew on board on August 30, 2013.

The plane lost cabin pressure as it descended through 30,000 feet on a flight from Wellington to Auckland and two pilots put on oxygen masks. Masks also deployed for passengers in the cabin.