This seems to be like most "yes they do" "no they don't" scenarios.
The claim and counter claim's will continue for a while before the truth is revealed.
From where I am sitting though, why would anybody make such a claim if there is absolutely no truth in it?
Who has most to lose, who has most to gain?
Engineers would lose complete respect if untrue as would pilots if true.
As this seems to be engineers making claims (according to the Independent), my money would be on the claims being true.