cwatters, quote:
"Is it possible the pilots seat position contributed to the incident?
"For example if [...] that was a bit far back for him, could that have caused him to inadvertantly apply back stick?"
It's possible but, as you note, the PF was apparently in the R/H seat, and had been for some time. Some pilots move their seats back during meals, but not normally when the PF. Seat position is adjusted fore/aft and up/down either electrically or mechanically (the latter being inadvisable in turbulence). The seat is manoeuvred so that the pilot's eyes line up two balls suspended on the frame between the two windshields. The elevation and rake of the sidestick armrest is also very important. Accurate sidestick control is difficult without it.
takata,
Thanks. Can you clarify what you mean by first cruise leg and second cruise leg, just in case I am misunderstanding your terminology?
BOAC, Sir,
Perhaps you would be so kind as to provide us with a list of subjects that we can discuss in advance of the next BEA report, without occasioning your displeasure? Or perhaps we should merely suspend our conversations altogether? Pray forgive us simple Airbus folk.