Bulletin E-Edition:
more photosFrom left: Scott Jackson, 54, Stephanie Jackson, 21, Lindsey Jackson, 18, died in a plane crash in Indonesia in 2007.
Bend family hears what led to '07 Indonesia plane crash
By Yoko Minoura / The Bulletin
Published: March 26. 2008 4:00AM PSTBend resident Felice Jackson DuBois said knowing the reasons for the Indonesian plane crash that claimed the lives of her ex-husband and two daughters doesn’t change anything.
“There is no information that changes how you feel about losing the people who are the most important in the world for you,” DuBois said.
“Nothing makes up for that, nothing mitigates that, nothing makes it better.”
Scott, Stephanie and Lindsey Jackson were killed Jan. 1, 2007, when a flight from Java to North Sulawesi crashed into the ocean, killing all 102 on board.
Stephanie, 21, and Lindsey, 18, both Summit High School graduates and University of Oregon students, were visiting their father, a 54-year-old former Bend resident who lived part time in Indonesia.
The Jacksons were believed to be the only Americans on the flight.
A report issued Tuesday by the Indonesian Transportation Safety Board said faulty navigation systems caused pilots to accidentally disengage the autopilot and then lose control of the plane, which plunged 33,000 feet into the ocean, according to The Associated Press.
The report found that the pilots reportedly ignored several alerts, warnings and changes on the plane’s displays indicating the jet was in trouble.
The report said the pilots also had no training on what to do if the autopilot disengaged and made several mistakes seconds after it was shut off.
A cockpit voice recorder, recovered during the investigation, captured one pilot shouting “Pull up! Pull up!” just before the plane hit the water.
The Indonesian government revoked Adam Air’s operating license last week, citing safety concerns.
More than 150 recurring problems were reported in the plane’s navigation system, according to the AP report of the investigation, but the airline failed to make repairs or train pilots to deal with those issues.
DuBois said she felt the negligence and irresponsibility of many different parties, which she declined to specify, contributed to the crash.
While she said she will always feel the pain of her children’s and ex-husband’s deaths, she wanted people to learn from the example they set while they were alive.
“Stephanie and Lindsey and Scott were true adventurers in spirit,” DuBois said, and they never let fear dictate their actions.
DuBois and Scott Jackson also have two adult sons.
She said she also wanted to thank the community for its support and caring following the crash.
A memorial service was held at Summit High School in February 2007. Friends dedicated a bench in Drake Park to Stephanie and Lindsey, DuBois said.
“I feel everybody that feels moved by their death (can) honor their lives by living their own lives with the same spirit of joyous adventure,” DuBois said. “It’s definitely what I remember.”
Yoko Minoura can be reached at 383-0387 or yminoura@bendbulletin.com.
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