# Swiftair trial for 2014 Air Algérie crash

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/swiftair-trial-for-2014-air-algrie-crash
> Updated: 2026-09-27T22:56:46.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

A legal proceeding in the Paris Criminal Court has addressed the 2014 crash of Air Algérie flight AH5017, which resulted in the deaths of all 116 people on board, including 54 French nationals. The accident occurred in northern Mali when a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, operated by Spanish charter company Swiftair on behalf of Air Algérie, encountered a thunderstorm. This led to icing of the Pitot speed sensors, causing the anti-icing system to remain inactive, which triggered an automatic engine deceleration and a fatal stall.

On September 28, 2026, the court convicted Swiftair of involuntary manslaughter. The court found that negligence in pilot training and operational procedures contributed to the accident, specifically noting that the crew had not undergone required proficiency checks or refresher training regarding anti-icing procedures following a period of inactivity. The judges concluded that the captain had not completed an adequate proficiency check.

Swiftair was ordered to pay a fine of €225,000, the maximum penalty allowed under French law for such a conviction. Prior to the verdict, the company had argued that the case should be dismissed due to previous legal proceedings in Spain. Swiftair has indicated its intention to appeal the judgment.

## Claims

- Swiftair was ordered to pay a fine of 225,000 euros, the maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter under French law. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Air Algerie Flight AH5017 crashed in July 2014, killing all 116 people on board. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The court found that negligence in Swiftair’s pilot training regarding icy conditions contributed to the accident. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The aircraft captain had failed to complete an adequate proficiency check. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The aircraft entered a stall after being hit by ice because the anti-icing system was not activated. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The crew had not completed the required refresher flights following a period of inactivity. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Swiftair maintained that the trial should not have occurred and that safety regulations were followed. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Swiftair convicted of corporate manslaughter in 2014 Mali plane crash

A Paris court convicted Spanish airline Swiftair of corporate manslaughter for the 2014 Air Algerie crash in Mali that killed 116 people, ordering the company to pay a maximum fine of 225,000 euros.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiftair-convicted-in-paris-over-2014-air-algrie-crash

### 2026-09-25: Swiftair trial: Verdict expected for 2014 Air Algérie crash

A Paris court will deliver its verdict on September 28, 2026, regarding the 2014 Air Algérie flight AH5017 crash that killed 116 people, involving Spanish operator Swiftair.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiftair-trial-verdict-expected-for-2014-air-algrie-crash

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Cite as: Swiftair trial for 2014 Air Algérie crash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/swiftair-trial-for-2014-air-algrie-crash