BBC Investigative Documentary
The theory the producers chose to go for was roughly as follows.
A US meteorology specialist suggests that the main line of Cbs might have been behind, and in the wx-radar shadow of a relatively moderate shower... Thus, having successfully avoided/penetrated the first shower, the crew is unprepared for the severe line of wx just beyond it.
Here a UK-based Airbus training pilot (Capt Martin Alder), and an American ex-Airbus captain/safety analyst take up the story. Belatedly realising the problem, the crew select turbulence-penetration Mach (stated to be M0.76 − that's good for an A320 but I don't have a figure for the A330). The current speed being M0.82, the A/THR reduces the N1 (thrust) considerably for the deceleration. Entering the wx, the A/C encounters super-cooled rain at –40C. Pitots freeze, leading A/THR to disengage at a very low thrust setting, as A/C still slowing down. Pilots slow to take throttles out of CLB gate, so thrust does not increase in time to stop the A/C stalling. Their presumed failure to establish a Thrust/Attitude technique is partly due to non-driven throttle levers (lack of tactile cues).
Situation allegedly exacerbated by: (1) too much reliance by today's airline pilots on AP and other automation; (2) absence of stall-training (meaning as part of type-rating?); (3) plethora of warnings causing excessive work load. A/C may have recovered from first stall with wing-drop, but − if so − probably stalled again.
Little acknowledgement by the producers of the fact that nearly all the aircraft data and photos used must have originated from the BEA and Air France. Knowing Martin, I doubt he would have gone firm on one theory, to the exclusion of others. But, as these shows go, it was a pleasant surprise. The sim. footage was clear, relevant, and fairly well in context with the theory (which has some merit).
In haste (prior to travel),
Chris