New Details Emerge In French Alps Plane Crash

By David Spunt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More details emerged Friday about the pilot that French authorities say intentionally crashed a plane full of people into the French Alps.

The crash killed Drexel University graduate Emily Selke and 149 others. Selke's friend, and former roommate spoke to Eyewitness News about the crash. Julie Mercik and Emily Selke lived together in Scotland for the summer.

"She was very easy to get along with," Mercik said.

Merick told Eyewitness News she's still in shock about the crash.

"It was crazy how fast we became friends and how comfortable she made me feel," she said.

Emily, her mother Yvonne and 148 others died in the crash. Investigators are working to find out what prompted co-pilot Andreas Lubitz to crash the jet into the mountains. Investigators searched his apartment and found a torn up doctor's note, excusing him from work the day authorities say he crashed the plane on purpose. Authorities say he likely hid a mental illness from his employer.

German prosecutors say he locked the pilot out of the cockpit before descending into the mountains. Investigators expect it to take weeks to locate everyone on board.

Commercial pilots in the United States cannot do their jobs, without first being cleared by doctors. That involves undergoing a physical exam and self-reporting on an online form about whether they've tried to commit suicide or have mental disorders, including depression or anxiety. A formal psychiatric examination is not required by the Federal Aviation Administration.