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Swiftair trial for 2014 Air Algérie crash

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2026-09-28 17:21 UTC → 2026-09-28 20:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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