Andreas Lubitz, Germanwings crash co-pilot (Photo : Reuters)
Germanwings' co-pilot Andreas Lubitz's motive for intentionally crashing the flight 9525 could not be ascertained as of now. But it has emerged during the investigation that Lubitz suffered from suicidal tendencies long time back, even before starting his aviation career.
"The co-pilot received psychotherapy treatment, with recorded suicidal tendencies, several years ago - before receiving his pilot's license," said Ralf Herrenbrück, Düsseldorf chief prosecutor, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Investigators are still looking for some clue in the form of any writings or conversations where Lubitz might have hinted about his fatal plan. Instead, they found medical records of psychotherapy, which Lubitz undertook to overcome his suicidal tendencies long time back.
Lubitz was single handedly manning the fateful flight and supposedly crashed the plane intentionally into the French Alps leaving no survivor. There were 149 other people on board at that time.
The public prosecutor's office in Düsseldorf released a statement on Monday stating that Lubitz was treated by psychotherapists "over a long period of time." However, in the follow-up visits, signs of suicidal tendencies or aggression toward others had faded away eventually.
The prosecutor's office has slammed the media reports that Lubitz was deemed as 'unfit to fly' recently by doctors. Lubitz had joined Germanwings in 2013 and had undergone an annual pilot recertification medical examination in summer 2014. However, this test only covered physical fitness and not medical well being.
It is also reported that Lubitz had visited Dusseldorf University hospital on March 10 for "diagnostic evaluation." Further details of his reason to seek medical help are still unknown, The Guardian reported.
As per aviation rules in Europe, the United States and many other places, it is the pilot's job to report any medical problems that arise between the regularly scheduled check-ups.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, has stated that it had no indication that Lubitz had any medical or mental problem in the past.
