Ten years after the Germanwings crash: grief and learning process further

Ten years after the Germanwings crash: grief and learning process further

Prads-Haute-Bléone, Frankreich - In a few days, the tragic crash of the Germanwings flight 4U9525 in the French Alps marks the tenth time. On March 24, 2015, Airbus A320-211 crashed and demanded the life of 150 people, including 72 Germans. Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz had deliberately taken control of the aircraft and controlled it into the crash, which led to national grief and diverse questions regarding the flight safety and mental health of pilots. The final report of the French flight safety authority Bea confirmed that the crash was a conscious act of Lubitz ’and resulted in extensive discussions about the regulation in the aviation industry.

Bernard Bartolini, former mayor of Prads-Haute-Bléone, built a monument to the victims at 1400 meters, which is now a place of memory for relatives and mourner. Many families regularly visit the crash site to commemorate their loved ones. Among the victims were 16 students and two teachers from the Joseph König-Gymnasium from Haltern am See. In the Le Vernet cemetery, a memorial plate is reminiscent of 149 dead, many in community graves.

mental health and flights

The tragedy led to a rethink about the mental health of pilots. According to Deutschlandfunk , pilots must pass regular suitability tests by aviation doctors that include aspects such as vision, cardiovascular system and psychiatric diagnoses. Before the crash, Lubitz had visited several doctors, but did not contact any aviation doctor, which did not forward important information about his state of health to the responsible bodies.

future measures

The EASA (European Air Security Agency) has called for measures to control the mental health of pilots. These include random alcohol, drug and medication tests as well as the creation of safe zones for pilots in order to be able to report psychological problems. Openness and trust are crucial to ensure that pilots are looking for help in difficult times.

A commemoration for the tenth anniversary of the crash is planned for March 24, 2025. This will not only be a place of remembrance for the victims, but also a warning that the topic of mental health should continue to be a top priority.