Germanwings Pilot Deemed “Unfit To Work” Before Fatal Flight

German prosecutors have accused Andreas Lubitz, the pilot who is believed to be responsible for the crash of a Germanwings jet into the French Alps last Tuesday, of hiding a serious medical condition from his employer.
Per reports in Fairfax, a search of Lubitz’s home revealed a number of sick leave notices, including one covering the day of the crash, found partially torn up in a rubbish bin, in which a doctor declared him “unfit to work.”
“The fact that there are sick notes saying he was unable to work [supports] the assumption, based on the preliminary examination, that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and his professional colleagues,” prosecutors said.
The statement follows German newspaper reports that Lubitz had been treated for a “serious depressive episode” in the past, and was temporarily deemed “unfit to fly” during his training training at Lufthansa’s U.S. aviation school.
Lubitz’s mental health, as well as Germanwings and Lufthansa’s knowledge of it, will be important factors in any future legal cases surrounding the crash.
Under German law, employees are required to inform their employers immediately if they are unfit to work. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has demanded that Lufthansa disclose all information they have on Lubitz. 
“Everything is pointing towards an act that we can’t describe,” Vallis said. “Criminal, crazy, suicidal.” 

Photo: Getty Images News


For help or support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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