Tension Between Air France and Airbus Over Pilots’ Role in AF447 Crash
Air France and Airbus have once again come head-to-head over the role of pilots in the AF447 crash, which occurred over the Atlantic in 2009 and claimed the lives of 228 people. During the closing hearings of an eight-week appeal trial in Paris, both companies delivered their final defenses against corporate manslaughter charges.
French prosecutors have requested the maximum fine of 225,000 euros for each company, arguing that their alleged negligence contributed to the loss of the Airbus A330 operating the Rio de Janeiro–Paris flight. Although symbolic in amount, the penalty is viewed by families of the victims as a form of recognition.
Pilot Training at the Center of the Debate
Analysis of the flight recorders recovered in 2011 revealed that the cockpit crew reacted “incorrectly and inconsistently” after the aircraft’s airspeed readings were temporarily disrupted due to ice accumulation on the Pitot tubes, which eventually led the aircraft into a full stall at high altitude.
However, the appeal trial focused on earlier issues with the same type of sensor, as well as shortcomings in training procedures and data-sharing practices.
In its closing statement, Air France expressed condolences to the families and rejected claims that the crew lacked adequate high-altitude emergency training. The airline, along with prosecutors, argued that the pilots should not be blamed for the accident.
