Air NZ told to accept crash findings

The tail plane wreckage from the Air New Zealand Airbus A320. Photo / Supplied

PARIS - Two sources on the crash inquiry panel complained that Air New Zealand had tried again and again to resist accusations of pilot error as the investigation unfolded.

"They wanted something slightly different to emerge," said one. "It could be that Air New Zealand doesn't like the outcome, but they should look into their own procedures rather than question the inquiry."

Another source said Air New Zealand should "stop deflecting" criticism of its practices. "Small state operators are particularly sensitive about safety and when they make mistakes, it doesn't look good. What an airline should do after an accident is definitely realise that in order to improve, you have to accept the findings," he said.

The head of the BEA, Jean-Paul Troadec, told the Herald the best thing Air New Zealand could do now is "better preparation for this type of flight. When they have these type of flights with people from other airlines they should have better preparation."