Germanwings co-pilot deliberately crashed plane in French Alps
New revelations Thursday into what the world initially thought was a tragic plane accident. French investigators now say the co-pilot who had visited and trained in the U.S. deliberately crashed the Germanwings plane carrying 150 people into the French Alps.
The co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525 has been identified as 28-year-old Andreas Lubitz of Germany.
French prosecutor Brice Robin says based on information collected by investigators, it's apparent Lubitz wanted to destroy the aircraft, but the big question is why.
"Normally someone committing suicide does it on their own, that's why I don't talk about suicide. When you are responsible for 150 people behind you, I don't call that a suicide," said Robin.
He says Lubitz was alone at the controls during the deadly descent and he locked the other pilot out. On the cockpit voice recording, thet pilot is heard knocking and then pounding on the door as if he's trying to break it down.
Prosecutors say Lubitz was fully conscious as alarms blared. He's heard breathing as the plane is guided into the side of a mountain.
Victim's family members started arriving in France Thursday morning to the hamlet of Le Vernet near the crash site. Many brought flowers and gathered in a field for a memorial.
The CEOs of Germanwings and Lufthansa held a press conference in Germany expressing their shock over the findings.
"He was 100% fit to fly without any restrictions. His flight performance was perfect. There was nothing to worry about," said Lufthansa CEO Cartsen Spohr.
They say Lubitz received his training in Arizona. He took a six month leave, but then came back and passed all medical tests.
The carrier Airbus released a statement calling this a very difficult time. Part of the statement reads:
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this appalling tragedy."
