Yesterday, the investigation of the fatal crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 took a ghastly turn. According to French prosecutors, first officer Andreas Lubitz locked the captain out of the cockpit and deliberately sent the plane into a rapid descent that ended when the plane slammed into a mountain in the French Alps, killing all 150 people aboard. Now, to pile obscenity on top of insult and injury, it turns out that Lubitz’ doctor had written him a note saying that Lubitz was unfit to fly on Tuesday morning–the day of the crash–due to a mental condition. However, Lubitz reported to work anyway.
German prosecutors revealed that several torn-up doctor’s notes had been found in Lubitz’ house. One of those notes excused Lubitz from work on the day of the crash. A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office in Dusseldorf–where the plane was originally scheduled to land–told NBC News that it appears Lubitz “deliberately ignored the doctor’s directive” to stay home. Prosecutors didn’t elaborate on what that condition was. According to The New York Times, Lubitz visited a Dusseldorf hospital in February and March for what the hospital describes as a “diagnostic evaluation.”
However, it doesn’t appear that he told anyone about it–including his employers at Germanwings and its parent, Lufthansa. In so doing, he may have violated Lufthansa company policy that requires pilots to disclose conditions that could affect their ability to fly. While Lufthansa pilots have medical examinations at least once a year, any information about mental health comes from a questionnaire the pilots themselves fill out and sign on their honor.
Prosecutors haven’t been able to turn up any evidence that Lubitz’ actions were politically or religiously motivated, and also knocked down rumors that they were tied to a romantic breakup. They also haven’t been able to find a suicide note. This much is clear, though–Lubitz knew he had no business being on the plane that day, and yet was in the first officer’s chair anyway. Had he obeyed his doctor, it’s very likely that 149 people would still be alive today.
Reforms are already underway. All German airlines will now require two crew members to be present in the cockpit at all times–echoing a rule that has long been in place on American carriers. However, one can hope that this tragedy will cause airlines to look more into their pilots’ mental health. Most airlines around the world–including those here in the States–focus mainly on the physical fitness of their pilots. However, the most sacred trust in travel is that the plane is being operated by people who are in a condition to get you to your destination safely. It would seem that in this day and age, a corollary of that principle is that mental health is at least as important as physical health. You would think that airlines would be able to keep an eye on their pilots’ mental condition without painting them with a scarlet letter.
