The defence in French Polynesia's trial over the 2007 Air Moorea crash has suggested that the pilot's health may have failed and caused the accident.
Flowers are left at Air Moorea crash site Photo: AFP
Twenty people died when the Twin Otter fell into the sea shortly after taking off for Tahiti.
The trial enters its second week today with seven people being accused of involuntary homicide.
The crash investigation showed steering cables tore in several places in the front section of the aircraft, which is linked to dysfunctional procedures at the airline.
However, the defence has suggested that the pilot may have had a sudden incident and lost control of the plane.
A month ago French Polynesia's court of appeal ruled that $US3.3 million had to be paid in compensation to the families of the victims.
The trial is expected to last three weeks.
