http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/12/06/france.concorde.trial/?hpt=T2
After 10 years, a decision on the Concorde incident has been reached. In 2000, the supersonic passenger jet, Concorde, faced a fiery crash, killing 113 people. Prior to the Concorde's departure, a titanium strip fell on the runway from a Continental flight. The titanium strip caused the Concorde's tire to explode, sending rubber into the engine and causing a fire. The French court ruled that Continental Airlines and mechanic John Taylor were responsible due to negligence of proper maintenance. John Taylor was fined $2655 and sentenced to a 15 month suspended prison sentence. According to the court ruling Continental Airlines must pay 70 percent of the damage costs, while the aircraft manufacturer EADS must pay the remaining 30 percent. Air France, operator of the Concorde, "welcomed the decision of the criminal court which recognizes Continental's full criminal and civil liability in the Concorde accident." However, Continental plans to appeal the ruling, stating that French authorities are attempting "to shift attention and blame away from Air France" by making a decision that "is not supported either by the evidence at the trial or by aviation authorities and experts around the world." However, an extensive investigation clearly identified the titanium strip from Continental's plane as the cause of the tragic chain of events. Continental has steered away from this piece of information, blaming Concorde engineers of failing to adjust design flaws in the Concorde's tire mechanism. Having recently merged with United Airlines, Continental, now United Continental Holdings, will be sure to do its best at maintaining a positive public image.
No comments:
Post a Comment