The crash of the Germanwings Airbus in the French Alps has made front-page news nearly every day for the last week. Andreas Lubitz, the 28 year old copilot of the ill-fated flight is believed to have crashed plane into the ground on purpose. French prosecutors and German Police are still working to determine what could have possible caused him to do this.
According to NBC News, officials admitted on Monday that prior to receiving his pilot's license Lubitz had been treated for suicidal tendencies. Christoph Kumpa, the prosecutor in Dusseldorf, Germany, told reporters that Lubitz had been treated by a psychotherapist for "what is documented as being suicidal at that time."
According to Lufthansa/Germanwings officials no red flags were set off during Lubitz' psychological evaluation before he was hired on as a copilot. He was reportedly sick, as we told you late last week. Officials found doctors' notes excusing him from work the day of the crash. Unfortunately, those notes were found torn up in his home, rather than having been turned in to his superiors at Germanwings.
However, the prosecutor did note that while he was excused from work the date of the crash, none of the more recent doctor's notes or medical documentation found in his home seemed to indicate a mental issue. There was nothing to indicate suicidal tendencies or the possibility of an issue the day of the flight.
While prosecutors and analysts continue to mull over the possibilities and sift through the evidence, a special commission has been formed to question the family and friends of Anreas Lubitz. No doubt the investigation will be long, in depth, and very sensitive in terms of the questions that will be asked.
While the families of the victims wait for answers regarding who or what is really to blame for the death of their loved ones, no doubt the Lubitz family is seeking answers of their own. Is it really possible their son, brother, or friend could really do something so horrific on purpose? As the days turn into weeks, hopefully answers for both sets of grieving families will be found.
So, what went wrong on that flight over France? Did Lubitz suddenly become suicidal and lock the pilot and other crew members out of the cockpit? We may not ever know for sure, but as the investigation continues the families of the victims are in the thoughts and prayers of people all around the globe.
