Much discussion since first few days after accident that loss of control could have been caused by inappropriate "Pitch and Power" following disconnection of autopilot and auto-thrust - hence the reminder Airbus sent out on 4th June 2009
http://www.pprune.org/rumours-news/3...ml#post4976210
But isn't this a systems design fault - admitting that the auto-controls can hand back control to the pilots in an inappropriate state requiring immediate action?
The BBC made a suggestion that the loss of reliable air-speed was during a commanded speed reduction, so the engines could be close to flight idle.
Shouldn't the a/p and a/thr disconnect leaving the pitch and thrust settings at an appropriate setting for 'steady' flight?
'Steady' in quotes as I suspect you find out how much the controls do to counter the phugoid mode even without turbulence and changing winds inside the storm, so it would be a roller coaster ride.