Yup! Stuff happens.
My question is why tablecloth Al Baker's claims are about 180 degrees at odds with the DFDR and DCVR? Does Akbar really believe that anyone believes his 'spin?' I cannot believe that he is that ill-informed. The the pilots were unfortunate enough to be expat contractors of some kind, I'd guess that they were escorted out of Qatar months ago, never to return. If they are U.S. certificated, I'd hope that they have made themselves known to NTSB. Again, yes, stuff happens, but burying it in the sand is not the way to improve anything. (Qatar has more than enough sand for Akbar's head.) If even one of these fellows was a U.S. licensed pilot, he owes it to the safety record to discuss the event with FAA and NTSB.
As for the flight itself, continuing without a thorough inspection was stupid. Everyone aboard likely knew that a collision had occurred. If only to please Akbar, they took the airplane home and probably hid it. If there is no damaged airplane to view, Akbar can (try to) sell almost anything he wishes. What a bad joke.
