I am not sure whether any references have previously been made to the Swissair Flight 111 MD-11 crash of 2 September 1998. I would have thought a lot of knowledge was gained in underwater search and recovery operations and techniques from this accident. It took TSB of Canada four years and cost CAD 57 million (approx USD 38million ) to get the answers. The aircraft had crashed closer inshore and the debris lay relatively in much shallower waters.
In the case of AF447 the cost to date is EUR 9 million and the depth and extent of the search area is considerably larger. Should the FDRs and the CVR be eventualy recovered it is not an absolute certainty that the answers will be provided. Should the wreckage be found what would be the challanges and difficulties in recovering it from the great depths of the ocean. What may the final cost amount to.
How much should be spent on accident investigation for the sole benefit of flight safety. Surely in these days of global economic austerity there must be a limit.