Air France and Airbus Acquitted in Criminal Trial over 2009 Flight 447 Crash
French Court Delivers Verdict After 12 Years
Details and Analysis
After a twelve-year legal battle, a French criminal court has acquitted both Airbus and Air France of manslaughter charges related to the 2009 crash of Air France Flight 447. The crash, which killed all 228 people on board, was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
The court found that there was not sufficient evidence to prove that either Airbus or Air France had committed manslaughter by negligence. The prosecution had argued that the defendants had failed to take adequate steps to address known risks with the aircraft's onboard systems, which they alleged played a role in the crash.
However, the court determined that the available evidence did not support these claims. It also rejected the argument that Airbus or Air France had failed to adequately train their pilots on how to respond to the technical problems that occurred during the flight.
Conclusion
The acquittal of Airbus and Air France in this case brings to a close one of the most high-profile criminal trials in aviation history. The verdict will likely have a significant impact on future litigation over similar disasters, as it sets a precedent for the level of proof that is required to convict companies of manslaughter in such cases.
The crash of Flight 447 remains a tragic event that weighs heavily on the minds of those who lost loved ones. The verdict in this case may not provide closure for all, but it does represent a step towards accountability and justice.
The New York Times
France 24
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