On 19 May 2016, an Airbus A320 operated by EgyptAir on flight MSR804, flying from Charles de Gaulle, Paris to Cairo International Airport, crashed in the Mediterranean killing all 59 passengers and seven crew. Onboard was Richard Osman, beloved husband of Aurélie and father to Victoire and Olympe.
More than eight years after the accident, the final report of the Egyptian Aircraft Accident Investigation Directorate was finally published. Despite lengthy delays and years of silence, the conclusions of that report appear controversial, with the French BEA and the expert to the inquest, Mr Ken Fairbank, both disputing key findings of the Egyptian investigators. Most notably, neither the BEA nor Mr Fairbank believed that the accident was caused by an explosive device.
The inquest, led by Senior Coroner Mark Layton confirmed today that Richard died following a fire onboard caused by an ignition source, of unknown origin, most likely associated with the First Officer’s oxygen supply system which either resulted from or was fed by an oxygen leak.
The inquest heard evidence of Mr Fairbank, which echoed that of the BEA, that the accident was caused by a fire which broke out onboard and rapidly took hold. In Mr Fairbank’s opinion, it is more likely than not that the fire began on the flight deck, most likely associated with the First Officer’s oxygen supply system. Tragically once the fire took hold it did so with such speed that it prevented the crew from maintaining control in the aircraft.
Aurélie Vandeputte, the wife of Richard Osman said the following:
“Today, the inquest into Richard’s death was finally held, just short of 9 years after his death. Those long years have been excruciating, with years of chaos and disrespect of the victims bodies, their families emotions, absence of information, false leaks and speculations
I am immensely grateful to Senior Coroner Mr Mark Layton, who throughout those many years has remained committed to our journey for truth and helping me, our daughters and Richard’s wider family and friends find closure through the inquest process. I am also very thankful to the Welsh authorities for the continuous investment in the process.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Mr Fairbank for his expertise and careful consideration of the accident.
We can now close this chapter. Richard’s love, values and determination inspired us every day of this journey and will continue building us over the years.”
Peter Neenan, partner in the Aviation team at Stewarts instructed by Richard’s family said:
“International obligations dating back over 80 years require that following an aviation accident, the state in charge of the investigation must publish a report as soon as reasonably possible and if possible, within 12 months. If a report cannot be published within 12 months, then an interim statement should be made publicly available on the anniversary of the accident, each year.
It is a travesty that eight years passed since this accident with no final report and no interim statement. The suffering that the investigators needlessly inflicted on Aurélie and her family, as well as the families of the 65 others onboard is unforgivable.
We are grateful to Senior Coroner Mr Mark Layton for giving his attention to this concern and look forward to assisting him to prepare an appropriate Prevention of Future Deaths report in the hope that other families do not have to suffer the same agony.”
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