Posted: 3/31/2015 Updated: 4/8/2015
Update (1)
Just read this New York Times article “The Mind of Those Who Kill, and Kill Themselves” confirming my suspicion early on that this copilot did it for fame or for a desire of infamy. This clearly suggests that mental illness is not necessarily the main contributor or explanation.
Original
In the wake of the deliberate crash of the GermanWings airplane (flight no 9525) into the French Alps by its copilot (Andreas Lubitz) killing 150 passengers, the debate has also focused on the pros and cons of medical confidentiality.
First of all, let’s put things into perspective: Incidents of suicidal mass murder committed by mentally ill people is rare. As long as we do not have much better diagnostics and medical treatments for mentally ill people prevention of such incidents is difficult.
Second, we observe that this copilot apparently has acted extremely irresponsible (he had a sick notice from his doctor and was not supposed to report to work on that day) and also deceptive. Had this young man, who apparently suffered from suicidal tendencies, been responsible we would have expected him to have acted differently. He and only he probably knew better how serious his condition was. Thus, any relaxation of medical confidentiality is not advisable and would have probably the opposite effects of what was intended.
Third, my theory is that this young man was seeking fame. I find it highly incredulous that the copilot had some kind of mental episode just when the first officer left the cockpit. Apparently, he began to lock the cockpit door instantly! He left no notices and he did not speak into the voice recorder!
Fourth and more importantly, the medical records of the deceased mass murderer should be released and made public so we all can learn more. What medication was he on etc. etc.?
