If this is true about the other pilot being locked out then it can only really be an intentional act. If the remaining pilot had a heart attack or similar surely you can just open the cockpit door by other means. Only time this wouldn't work would be if the pilot left inside was over-riding that request. Have we actually been given any details on the FO?? I have seem a bit of detail about the Captain but not the FO.
I hope this turns out to be bad info, you can imagine the change in SOP's coming our way if this turns out to be an intentional act. Once again, thoughts to all involved, it would have been a terrifying 8 minutes for all on board if this was deliberate.
