French Pilots’ Union Pulls Out of AF447 Accident Investigation

The French pilots’ union, SNPL, has withdrawn its participation in the ongoing investigation of Air France Flight 447 (AF447), the Airbus A330-200 that cra

Air France and pilots' union SNPL both feel that an interim report into the mid-Atlantic crash of one of the airline’s A330-200s placed undue emphasis on alleged flight crew errors. The union has withdrawn its involvement in ongoing investigations in protest. (Photo: Airbus)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

August 8, 2011

The French pilots’ union, SNPL, has withdrawn its participation in the ongoing investigation of Air France Flight 447 (AF447), the Airbus A330-200 that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris in June 2009. The union is protesting the fact that the third interim report by the Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA) agency excluded evidence highlighting the role played by the aircraft’s stall-warning systems in the accident.

SNPL argues that the report, published on July 29, unfairly focuses blame on the three Air France pilots who died along with 225 passengers and cabin crew when AF447 crashed into the ocean. Stating that its “confidence in the BEA is seriously eroded,” the union withdrew its representative from the investigation team, until the agency explains why it excluded consideration of the stall-warning systems and associated recommendations for necessary modifications to those and other aircraft systems.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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