Some Comments from petition supporters

(scroll down for the latest)

 

"I strongly agreed with your views. It was merely an accident,a fatal one though. Accidents happen almost everyday around the world. Nobody would ever want such thing to happen..it is not important at this point of time to say who is at fault.." Johnson Ng

"I believe that this incident is accidental.Nobody would want this sort of thing to happen.Look, nobody is going to be drivers and drive on the road if they know that they are going to be prosecuted if they to meet up with accidents.I believe the same goes for this accident.I just hope that people can give these pilots a chance to voice out their views.even if they should be found to have been negligent, they should be given punishment like revoking of their pilots' license and heavy fines instead of being given sentence equivalent to murder. I think that is ridiculous.think about it in this way, what if you were the pilot of SQ006? Before we start to blame everybody, I think we should sort out this matter rationally. "

Dennis

 

I share your views. If pilots have to bear all consequences of a plane crash regardless of what factors caused it, I believe there is no security at all for them to stay on the job.

Sally Chew

 

"I feel that the Taiwanese prosecutors and the Justice Minister (more like Injustice) are prejudiced against SIA and her pilots. Are they equally prepared to prosecute their own pilots, control tower staff and even the airport authorities or the runway designers, if these have also played a part in the SQ crash (and any other crashes) there. Threatening or talking about suing the pilots when they have done what they humanly could to help the pax, and when they are still in deep trauma and distress, is very insensitive and childish. Demanding for even higher compensations when SIA is already offering much more than what the Warsaw Convention and IATA require, reveals the ugly side of the recipients. On a positive note, I would like to register my appreciation for those rescue personnel who ignored their own pain, anguish and fatigue and toiled through the stormy night to save whoever they could. "

Mdm Soh MW

 

It's time to speak up for the pilots, shouldn't we? -- June

 

The SIA pilots are heroes. Remember what they told the Taiwanese rescuers, "...Save my passengers! ..." Support them. Josh

Everyone makes mistakes. Those pilots are human after all. Who are we to judge when we ourselves have made mistakes to hurt others at one time or another? Granted the mistakes of these pilots are bigger, but they didn't do it intentionally. And we should leave the Judging to the Higher Beings.

Audrey Koh

I'm rather saddened by the whole incident though I'm away from home. I'm glad to be part of this petition.   Thomas Ng

 

A chinese saying: "Visiting friends are always guest to the host. The host is to welcome their guests and responsible for their 'well being', that is, including simple needs and safety."In the SQ006 case, the "guest" took full responsibility from the start of the tragedy and the "host" keeping side line and low profile without coming forward to own some responsibilities. The worst remark is that the host mentioned that the person in charge of the tower or air traffic controller was on "emergency leave" after the incident.Is the Taiwan official afraid of their own citizen anger who are somehow affected by the accident in anyway? When will the Taiwan official own some responsibilities? After when the initial anger is lower? After 1 year when people starts to forget and forgive?I feel that the "host" is somehow not as transparent as the "guest" in honesty and sincere.I will not for sure to visit a friend's place with no sincerity and simple safety concern to their guests.Now that the investigation has come to this stage, the investigating team has got what they need from the pilots, the pilots should be allowed to go home. To be with their love ones at home. Not in a place full of anger and "danger".

Teo Yap Hong

 

"Being an ex-airline pilot myself I couldn't be happier then to support your petition. Count me in."

Don Petersen

 

We want Capt Foong, First Officer Latif Cyrano and First Officer Ng to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them. Life is not without mistakes. This was a mistake and instead of shifting blame, our aim should be to learn from this incident and take measures on how to prevent a reoccurence. Yes the pilots were ultimately the ones "behind the wheel". Does that mean that the surrounding environment/people do not contribute to a good flight or a bad flight? Pilots do not exist alone in the airline industry.

Joanne Chia Wee Koon

 

"Stop blaming the pilots. The tragic was an accident and it is not an intentional act. Under such adverse circumstances of poor airport management, these pilots themselves were simply the victims. It is time to learn from mistake in a constructive manner and not to shed accountability and responsibility to others. May the healing begin!"

Pamela Tsui

 


  • I share the pain and anguish of many victims and their families especially Captain Foong and the two First Officers. I am certain that the anguish that they have is no less than the families of the deceased.

    I am disturbed by the fact that the Taiwan authorities think they can detain them for indefinite periods of time. I question their impartially while the investigation is still going on as I have not read any updates on the questioning nor detention of the Flight Controller who was in charge of the ill-fated flight.

    I, with many others, plea for the release of our pilots as their efforts in the rescue after the crash and cooperation in the investigation clearly demonstrates that their humanity and integrity and it will be grossly unjust to keep them under detention any much longer.

    Ex Cabin Crew
    Carol Y F Wong

    • "They're not naive pilots suddenly plucked from obscurity and throw into steering a plane in an unfamiliar runway. They are victims of an injustice"

    Angella Cheng-Wong

     

    "We totally support the petition. We hope that the pilots can go home soon. We believe that justice will prevail one day. We understand that some truth cannot be expose to the media and the public, but we hope that even through closed doors, the truth and justice will be fair to the 3 pilots."
    -- Benson Lee, Bernadette Chin, Nichoolaus Lee, Jane Lee

     

    Pilot-error per se, should not render the technical crew criminally liable. It must be further established that
    the pilot error was NEGLIGENT, RECKLESS, or DELIBERATE under the specific circumstances before they can be held liable.

    Chin Heng Ong

     

    I find that what the Taiwan authority are doing is not right. They are just doing this to pacify their angry nations. Since the findings is not out, please do not push all the blames to the pilots. For all they know, it might be the fault of their poorly managed aviation authority!!!! --Yong Ai Ying

     

    I would like to appeal to the Singapore Government to do all in their power to bring the pilots of SQ006 back to Singapore so that they can be with all their families and friends in this moment of their grieve. Whilst I sympathize friends and relatives of the victim, I am sure that the three pilots are just as distorted and they too need a supporting hand.

    They might have erred but they were probably mislead into making the mistake. The source of their error lies with the Taiwan civil aviation and their cheap system which have largely resulted in this tragedy, which, from what I can gather, has been waiting to happen.

    Even if the pilots need to be kept in prison to ensure that they do not disappear or 'go on leave', please let them be in Singapore. If a bond is required by the Taiwan government, I am sure a large company like SIA or even the Singapore Government can afford that. If the SIA or the government is not prepared to help those who work for them and who literally brings Singapore to the sky, I am sure that the citizens of our country are prepared to put up a donation for that purpose.

    Dr Phyllis Liauw

     

    "Every single one on SQ006 are the victims of the tragedy. No one has ever wanted this to happen but accidents just happen some way or another. It is forever unpredictable. There are no murders, only victims who needed our support and care." Jessie Leong YY

     

    "Bring them home. "

    --Adeline Foong, MMMarcus Foong, Joanne Foong

    (sister-in-law, nephew and niece of Captain Foong)

     

    As a airline Capt., with another Asian airline, I am disgusted at the treatment given to my fellow pilots. Accident investigation is suppose to follow a "no blame culture" so that the REAL reason for this tragedy can be determined and procedural changes put in place to ensure that this type of accident doesn't occur again. To do anything else would simply mean those people died for nothing.

    Every accident is an organizational failure, therefore all parts of the organization need to be investigated. From SQ's low weather procedures training, human factors "CRM" training and the facilities and procedures at CKS airport in Taipei. Was fatigue a factor, what duty period had the crew operated prior to this flight? The Capt ,unfortunately, was the final link in a chain of errors, that lay dormant, probably for some years waiting to catch someone out on a dark and stormy night.

    I would suggest that these pilots be returned to their loved ones immediately so that they may receive the much needed counselling and support that they deserve.

    Capt Peter Willison

     

     

    "I, too, support the fact-finding in the SQ006 accident BEFORE pointing the finger of blame." ---Michael F Anderson, Captain (Retired)





    "When you opt pilot as your ambition, you're fully aware of what lies ahead. The unexpected challenges, the risks, the rewards...the list goes on."

    i know because i tried to be one, though i failed.

    No pilots, absolutely none, would want to risk anyone's lifes, afterall, their personal challenge is to achieve maximum number of flying hours.

    i, personally, believe this fateful day will happen one day at CKS Airport. Little did i realize, a typhoon prone country does not have ground radar equipment & a control tower that functions without clear visibility on bad weather. A closed runway that's half-opened, a switch to control 2 lights.

    Unfortunately, it happened to SQ006. Lessons to be learned, unfortunately at the expense of those on SQ006.

    As a regular blood donor, for once, i see hundreds of 1st time blood donors. These people took the courage from this fateful event to do something they always wanted to but never did.

    To the cockpit crew & their loved ones, of SQ006, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. There're many of us, like me, right behind you. You never walk alone.
    But more importantly, we need YOU to draw enough strength to stand & walk again, for yourself, for your loved ones & for everyone behind all of you.

    Life goes on...we don't leave in the past. Think positive, lives with passion.

    Richard Goh

     

    Hi! I am Pamela Wong from g.e.s.s and I am thirteen years old. I don't think that the pilot is totally at fault. Everyone makes mistakes. I think that the pilolt should be forgiven. I'd like to console the pilot. Just leave it to God & He will help you. God Bless You!

     

    "I wish that they will all come back as my uncle is the first office Ng Kheng Leng" - Stephanie

    The pilots are not criminals , let them go home to their families . It is a violation of human rights as long as there is no solid proof that they are guilty .They have gone through as much as any who has suffered in this mishap. -- Mrs. Malmer -Poon Pui Yue (Luxembourg)

     

    We all know that:

    - Airport Control Towers fully control the take-off/landing sequences.

    - The runway lightings will be turned on/off prior to landing/takeoffs.

    - Only one will be turned on/off at one time because only one aircraft takes off or land at any one time.

    - Even a primary school kid will question or comment when 2 runways are lighted prior to take off when they know only one is supposed to be lighted - not to mention 3 seasoned pilots (excluding 3 blind pilots)

    - the 2 China airline pilots witnesses must be Supermen with super night vision (because they can see so well and so far on a stormy night when the 3 SIA pilots can't see) who happen to be mute (or they don't know how to use the radio to communicate with Control Tower)

    Further to the above:

    Is it not industry requirement or at least common sense to blockade roads (not to mention runways) under construction?

    Why are the pilots detained not allowed to make a statement at all?

    Pilots will not be able to see, not to mention use, and unlighted runway under that type of conditions

    Pilots will question when 2 runways are lighted - yes even 3 presumptuous pilots will talk about it (when you need to use the toilet and you see 2 toilets with 'Male' signs side-by-side, won't you ask someone which is the correct one?)

    Please...be fair. Melvin Teo

     

     

    TEO KOK ANN: At first I was shocked when the news reported the incident but then to err is human after all and emotionally i was not so stirred up.But then when i called back home three days after the disaster,I was shocked to hear that two people distantly related to me were affected by the accident.My uncle`s wife`s sister died in the crash. My aunt`s husband `s youngest brother is seriously injured and is currently bedridden in the hosptal.Although these 2 people are not members of my immediate family,I was really upset about it.It is an undeniable fact that the pilots are responsible for the accident. However i do believe that they are not entire to blame ,for common sense would tell us that no sane being would deliberately want a plane to crash and gathering from the reports so far, contributing factors like the weather conditions,the safety precautions taken by the authority and the light=up of the wrong runway are not to be ignored.I hope all those whose loved ones perished in the crash would pull through, no amount of bereavement could bring back the dead. Life still goes on.

     

     

    Pilots should be allowed to grieve and recover from the emotional stress they must be

    facing at the moment. Keeping them there to "help" the investigation adds to the already heavy burden

    that they bear in their hearts. - Kimson Hogan

     

    In my opinion, it is no good saying, that the pilots should have known or should have seen

    anything. The point is they didn't see and didn't know, so in my opinion it would be a great tragedy of 

    if these pilots were convicted of any crime associated with the crash of the great airline SQ006.

    - Philip Thorpe (Australia)

     

    "To my cousin First Officer abang Cyrano Latiff, we hope you are in good health and always remember that everyone of us back home has always "dua" the best for you." - Norayu Omar Latiff (your "small" cousin)

     

    They are survivor victims too, needing counselling, treatment and support to overcome their trauma and guilt. Have consideration too for their families. - Sara Tay

     

    As the daughter of a pilot, this accident has affected me greatly. Some of my father's friends who have seen the pilots report that they are absolutely shattered by the incident. These pilots did not let the accident happen on purpose. They have shown every inch of bravery by going back to help injured passengers out of the inferno. Pilots often take the blame of accidents as they are the last line of defence between human lives and airplanes. I feel sorry for the poor pilots who have been held back in a foreign land, far from family and friends...

    Sharlene Tan

     

    Captain Foong, First Officer Latif Cyrano and First Officer Ng, my thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.

    I would be proud to be in the same airline with you!

    Imelda Novita

    (Melbourne,Australia)

     

    To my dearest brother,

    We love you. You are our hero..

    Michelle Foong (sister of Capt. Foong)

     

    I appluad SIA for so gallantly accepting responsibilty for the crash

    but this does not mean that they will allow their pilots to be taken as scapegoast for the crash...

    Let each and everyone of us do out bit to bring them home to their families. Let us pray for strength to

    carry them through. - Vivien Lim

     

    To Captain Foon, F. O Latiif and Ng,

    HANG IN THERE GUYS!!! We share your grief and pray for you...

    Kaval Singh

     

    I don't think the pilots deserve this kind of treatment. I'm sure they don't want this accident to happen. - Tan Kah Wee

    After what has happened to SQ006, many people are tremendously affected whether or not

    they are families or friends of passengers on board the plane. If that is the case, the pilots who are responsible for the plane

    would have felt much worse, guilt and upset. It is human error, perhaps. However, it is only fair that they should be allowed to returned to Singapore before any conclusive report is made on the crash of SQ006 - Rachel Ng

    I am sure the pilots will full well acknowledge any fault of theirs if it is proven to be the cause but until then they deserve to be in the comforting arms of their own families in their own homes...

    - Jacinta Anthony

     

    Having known Capt C K Foong and knowing that he is such a person who is careful in all ways and has the company interest at all times,..being such an incident that we met in LA and went sight-seeing with another of our fellow workers, he was on stand-by although he had informed the hotel and station manager that he was out, never the less he called whenever possible to check with both..It has to be the miscommunication of both party, not wholly blame on the pilots..

    Evelyn Ang, Singapore Girl

     

    Bring them back to their loved ones. They, too, need support and counselling

    from friends and families back home. They don't deserve such punishment just because they survived the crash.

    Angelina Djumin

     

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    Updated: 20 Nov 2000, 8:51pm.