Co-pilot researched 'suicide' and 'security of cockpit doors' weeks before crash

Investigators of the Germanwings crash have revealed that co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, who is accused of crashing the Germanwings Flight 4U 9525, researched on suicide and the security of cockpit doors weeks before the crash.

BBC reports that German prosecutors revealed in a statement that they found internet searches on the tablet computer Lubitz used.

They further said internet searches made on the tablet found in his Duesseldorf flat included "ways to commit suicide" and "cockpit doors and their security provisions".

Spokesman Ralf Herrenbrueck said: "(He) concerned himself on one hand with medical treatment methods, on the other hand with types and ways of going about a suicide.

"In addition, on at least one day (Lubitz) concerned himself with search terms about cockpit doors and their security precautions." he said.

Recordings from the first flight recorder recovered almost immediately at the crash site, had earlier led investigators to believe Lubitz intentionally crashed the flight.

Meanwhile, earlier today the second "black box" was recovered, and this is the one with readings for nearly every instrument seen as vital to the investigation into the crash.

If not too badly damaged, investigators will hope to retrieve technical information on the time of radio transmissions and the plane's acceleration, airspeed, altitude and direction.