Originally Posted by Flight Safety
Could he (PNF) have thought that the Auto Thrust System was still engaged when he started to move ENG1 TL back to idle (just above touchdown), thus leaving the ENG2 TL in the CLB detent on purpose so the ATS would continue to maintain airspeed (which the ATS did until ATS disconnect after touchdown)? Perhaps he didn't want to unsettle the flare just prior to touchdown, in order to get a good touchdown in the prevailing conditions, while still deploying the TR as soon as possible.
The flare is supposed to be performed at idle thrust.
Reducing thrust doesn't "unsettle" the flare, it is an integral part of performing it.
Having higher positive thrust instead will cause the aircraft to float longer, and touch down later, faster and lighter. None of this could have been desirable here.
Bernd