New findings
At this stage of the investigation, as an addition to the BEA interim reports of 2 July and 17 December 2009, the following new facts have been established:
ˆˆ The composition of the crew was in accordance with the operator’s procedures.
ˆˆ At the time of the event, the weight and balance of the airplane were within the operational
limits.
ˆˆ At the time of the event, the two co-pilots were seated in the cockpit and the Captain was
resting. The latter returned to the cockpit about 1 min 30 after the disengagement of the
autopilot.
ˆˆ There was an inconsistency between the speeds displayed on the left side and the integrated
standby instrument system (ISIS). This lasted for less than one minute.
ˆˆ After the autopilot disengagement:
„„the airplane climbed to 38,000 ft,
„„the stall warning was triggered and the airplane stalled,
„„the inputs made by the PF were mainly nose-up,
„„the descent lasted 3 min 30, during which the airplane remained stalled.
The angle of attack increased and remained above 35 degrees,
„„the engines were operating and always responded to crew commands.
ˆˆ The last recorded values were a pitch attitude of 16.2 degrees nose-up, a roll angle of 5.3 degrees left and a vertical speed of -10,912 ft/min.
There are some parts of the CVR on the report too.