Moscow: Russian and French experts were investigating on Tuesday a plane crash at a Moscow airport, which killed the CEO of French oil giant Total, Christophe de Margerie, whose private jet struck a snowplough on takeoff.
Russian investigators said the driver of the snow-clearing machine was drunk and that his actions, along with “an error by air traffic controllers”, appeared to have led to the crash a claim disputed by the driver’s lawyer.
Total, one of the world’s biggest oil company, confirmed the death of its 63-year-old boss known affectionately as the “Big Moustache” because of his distinctive facial hair.
The group said it was ready to deal with the tragic event which sent its stocks sliding two per cent briefly at the opening of trade, as its executives were due to gather for an emergency meet.
Vnukovo airport said the Falcon Dassault business aviation jet crashed as it prepared to take off for Paris and that rescue services had put out a blaze.
Visibility was 350 metres (yards) at the time, it said, as Moscow saw its first snowfall of the winter on Monday.
The possible role of “bad weather and errors by pilots will also be checked,” it said.
‘Big Moustache’ saw it all
Christophe de Margerie steered Total, one of the world’s biggest oil firms, through corruption charges and restructuring.
Nicknamed “Big Moustache” by staff, he took over Total in 2007 after 40 years in the ranks. He was known as a warm leader, open to debate and quick tohumour
In 2010 Total was convicted of environmental disaster caused by the 1999 sinking of its tanker.
He was in custody for more than 24 hours over charges of corruption
He was implicated in allegations of corruption during the UN’s “oil-for-food” programme in Iraq.
Despite these setbacks, Total regained its status as a premier oil firm.
