DOOMED flight 447 suffered six electronic failures in five minutes just before it crashed into the sea.
The jet's computer automatically sent at least six distress signals.
The final one said outside air had got into the cabin.
There was no mayday alert before the Air France Airbus A330 plunged into the Atlantic, killing all 228 people on board.
Investigators are now examining the data to determine what happened to Monday's Rio de Janeiro to Paris flight, which had five British passengers on board.
One theory being investigated by French agents is that a terrorists' bomb brought the plane down.
Other possibilities include a lightning bolt blowing the electrics - or the pilot flying too slowly because of the fierce storm.
Just before the crash the captain reported strong winds and black clouds charged with electricity.
Air France boss Pierre-Henri Gourgeon told relatives of the dead in a private briefing that the aircraft "broke apart either in the air or when it slammed into the ocean".
The grieving families are now preparing to sue Air France for tens of millions of pounds.
They have formed a group to monitor the search and consult lawyers over compensation.
The jet's computer automatically sent at least six distress signals.
The final one said outside air had got into the cabin.
There was no mayday alert before the Air France Airbus A330 plunged into the Atlantic, killing all 228 people on board.
Investigators are now examining the data to determine what happened to Monday's Rio de Janeiro to Paris flight, which had five British passengers on board.
One theory being investigated by French agents is that a terrorists' bomb brought the plane down.
Other possibilities include a lightning bolt blowing the electrics - or the pilot flying too slowly because of the fierce storm.
Just before the crash the captain reported strong winds and black clouds charged with electricity.
Air France boss Pierre-Henri Gourgeon told relatives of the dead in a private briefing that the aircraft "broke apart either in the air or when it slammed into the ocean".
The grieving families are now preparing to sue Air France for tens of millions of pounds.
They have formed a group to monitor the search and consult lawyers over compensation.
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