But those text messages in the air -- which ended 19 minutes before the crash -- turned out to be less consequential than text messages he sent and received while on the ground.

CNN: Pilot texting a factor in deadly copter crash

If true, that would rule out an in-flight explosion as the cause of the crash of Air France Flight 447, Defense Minister Nelson Jobim told reporters.

CNN: Brazilian air force says debris was not from Air France crash

We were in the air turning upside down, and when we landed roof-down it was like doing the crash in a nightmare.

WSJ: Hal Holbrook Remembers a Road Show Wreck | Traveler's Tale

Angelo d'Arrigo, the Italian hang-glider known as the "Human Condor" who was killed in an air crash in March, was posthumously given the alternative sportsperson's award.

BBC: SPORT | Federer wins top sportsman prize

The Abhijit Air Safety Foundation - formed in honour of fighter pilot Abhijit Gadgil who was killed in a crash three years ago - has been lobbying against the use of MiGs.

BBC: Fernandes rides on 'flying coffin'

Some models sold in Brazil, like the Chinese-made JAC J3, scored only one star in a recent crash test despite having air bags and antilock brakes.

NPR: AP IMPACT: Cars Made In Brazil Are Deadly