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Germany Grants Copilot's Family Time to Grieve

CBN

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The family of Andreas Lubitz is being given time to grieve before being questioned by authorities regarding last week's downing of Germanwings Flight 9525.

Lubitz is the co-pilot who crashed the Airbus A320 into a mountain in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board.

A German newspaper printed the transcripts from the cockpit voice recorder in which Lubitz apparently encourages the pilot to leave the controls to use the restroom. The pilot complies and informs Lubitz he is in control of the aircraft.

What should happen when someone who is responsible for the safety of others is known to be suicidal or clinically depressed? Psychologist, family therapist and author, Dr. Linda Mintle answered this question and more. Click play below to watch.

Minutes later the recorder picks-up the pilot pleading with Lubitz to let him back into the cockpit. The paper also says at that point passengers could be heard screaming.

The recording also is said to contain sounds of what appears to be metal on the cockpit door, presumably as the pilot was using an ax to try to break into the cockpit.

Lubitz apparently suffered from a vision problem and severe depression. Authorities say they will wait to question his family about a possible motive "out of decency and respect for their pain."

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