French Polynesia's Air Moorea crash finally goes to court

Transcript

WZ: The crash happened in mid-August 2007 on a day with fine weather when a Twin Otter bound for Tahiti fell into the sea. It had taken off from Moorea for the quick hop over to Tahiti but a couple of minutes into the flight it just dived and crashed. There were witnesses and small boats were immediately on the scene but it was too late. 19 passengers and the pilot were killed. The accident baffled everybody.

BRD:  What did the investigation show?

WZ: Investigators found that the steering cables tore in several places in the front section of the aircraft. Their report says the cables in question were expected to last five years but in an environment with high salt content they might last just a year. The Twin Otter's cables had been replaced in 2005, that is two years before the crash. The investigators also concluded that there were major dysfunctional procedures.

BRD: So what happened then?

WZ: Well the families called for accountability and in 2009, the prosecutor opened a criminal case for alleged involuntary homicide. Six employees of Air Moorea, the airline itself and the former head of French Polynesia's civil aviation administration were to be probed for alleged involuntary homicide. They in turn tried to halt the proceedings by seeking an injunction in France's highest court. However last year their bid failed and we now have a trial - and it is a big one.

BRD: How so?

WZ: It's been a high-profile event and the families want answers. There is frustration that nothing has happened. In this trial dozens of experts will be called, there are 137 civil parties and 38 people will come from France. The French justice ministry will pay for the transport costs of those concerned. The trial is expected to last three weeks. When a verdict is due is not known.

BRD: What about compensation?

WZ: That issue has been dealt with by the courts. 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. That ruling increased the sum of the lower court which had awarded just under $US2 million while the families sought a total of $US24 million.