Pilots and Depression

On 24 March 2015, a first officer by the name of Andreas Lubitz crashed an Airbus 320 into the French Alps.  Investigators have said that Lubitz deliberately crashed the plane, after locking the Captain out of the cockpit.  “German prosecutors have said that in the week before the crash, he spent time online researching suicide methods and cockpit door security – the earliest evidence of a premeditated act.”  (Germanwings Crash: Andreas Lubitz, 2015)  Lubitz had a history of depression, and it was said that he was in contact with dozens of doctors prior to the fatal crash, attempting to find information about an illness that is undisclosed.  Prosecutors said they found destroyed doctor’s notes “excusing Lubitz from work at his home, including one covering the day of the crash, and that he appeared to have hidden his illness from his employer and colleagues.” .”  (Germanwings Crash: Andreas Lubitz, 2015)

          

On 29 December 2013, Mozambican Airlines flight TM470 went down amid heavy rain in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park, killing all 33 on board.  “The Civil Aviation Institute said the pilot made a "deliberate series of manoeuvres" causing the crash.” (Pilot ‘deliberately, 2013)  The pilot, Hermino dos Santos Fernandes, locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit until moments before the crash.  "During these actions you can hear low and high-intensity alarm signals and repeated beating against the door with demands to come into the cockpit.”  (Pilot ‘deliberately, 2013)

            

Pilots are required to get a physical once or twice a year, in accordance with their age.  Mental health evaluations are done very informally, and unless the physician is familiar with what he is dealing with, then many issues will fall through the cracks.  I feel as though this system is flawed, and could definitely use a reform.  Licensed mental health professionals should be in charge of screening each pilot during the course of the physical.

           

In the case of more liberal screening procedures, I think it may be a tough road for the FAA and airlines to show that it is more accepted and that treatment is not an issue.  It reminds me of many of the individuals I know that have served this country during the Global War on Terror.  The large majority of troops (combat troops especially), will refuse at any cost to disclose that they are depressed, or they are having any kind of mental health issue, due to the fact that it is well-known that there really doesn’t need to be a huge reason for the military to part ways with you.  Mental health issues seem to be a fast ticket out of the military.  Add to it the fact that many of those who have tried to get help often wind up in worse shape than before they talked to a “professional,” and it seems easier to just suck it up and drive on.

           

References

Pilot 'deliberately crashed' Mozambique plane - BBC News (BBC News)

            http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-25482083

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/06/germanwings-crash-andreas-lubitz-contacted-      dozens-of-doctors-says-prosecutor