Latest in the Spainair crash in Madrid

The judge investigating the Madrid Barajas Spainair crash has called the two mechanics who worked on the plane before its takeoff for declarations. During the examination by the judge, both mechanics have admitted that they did not consult the official Boeing manual when they removed the fuse that seems to have deactivated the fatal alarm, instead they were guided by the minimum equipment list, which requires a less stringent test of the equipment and is Continue reading Latest in the Spainair crash in Madrid

Spanair crash investigation Judge listens to emergency services hurt

The Judge leading the Spanair crash investigation has called in the 4 National Police agents hurt in the Spainair case in order to evaluate their stories and decide if any honour actions should be taken in their cases. Their testimony will be taken into account when deciding the outcome of this case – and, if necessary, he will make recommendations for medals or other testimonies. Meanwhile, he still awaiting the outcome of the politcally influenced Continue reading Spanair crash investigation Judge listens to emergency services hurt

3 charged for homicide and negligence in the Spainair crash case

3 charged for homicide and negligence in the Spainair crash case After the terrible week in which the Spainair case descended into a farce, the presiding judge investigating the case spent a while getting to grips with the case. He has now accepted the preliminary report into the crash, which puts forwards as the explanation that after a hasty repair an alarm was disconnected – this alarm would sound if the flaps were not in Continue reading 3 charged for homicide and negligence in the Spainair crash case

Spanair crash investigation is descending into a farce.

With the announcement yesterday by the Commercial Pilot Association that the investigation is “ruined”, and the attempted resignation of their representatives to the Air Investigation Board, the investigation into the Spanair Madrid -Canary Islands crash has descended into a complete farce. The sole reason for establishing an Air Accidents Board is to find out the true cause of the accident. Not to proportion blame. That is for the later judicial reports and the Public Prosecutors, Continue reading Spanair crash investigation is descending into a farce.

Why the press coverage of the Madrid Disaster shocks us

 The Anglo in Hispanic blogosphere (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2008/08/25/morbo-spanish-news-media-horror/, http://southofwatford.blogspot.com/2008/08/madrid-airport-accidentthe-reactions.html, and other) has been buzzing with suggestions that the Spanish media coverage of the Madrid Air Disaster is because of some unique Spanish trait. Well, I disagree. I don’t think it’s because of a TV programme in the 90’s, or because of pent up frustration after the Franco years or because of a uniquely Iberian curiosity towards death and destruction. I think it’s a perfectly normal attempt by Continue reading Why the press coverage of the Madrid Disaster shocks us

The Madrid air disaster

I was sitting in a busy restaurant when the news broke of the plane crash. As mobile phones started to beep, conversation died out. The music was shut off, a TV was quickly switched on to the breaking news. In the corner, a lady burst into tears and her husband hurried out – no doubt a family member may have been involved. At the Juan Guerra concert that evening, the roadie who normally belts out Continue reading The Madrid air disaster