Airbus Industrie already owed Thai Airways compensation for the hull loss of another plane it had damaged during testing in December 1993.

[5] The particular test that led to the crash flew in a configuration with the plane's center of gravity near its aft limit, achieved by carrying tons of water in bladders in the rear of the aircraft's cabin.

[9][8] The aircraft had just successfully completed a landing, after the captain had performed two simulated engine loss go-arounds, taking a total of 55 minutes.

[7] This time the aircraft was flown by the co-pilot, while the actions to shut off the engine and hydraulic circuit, and engage the autopilot, were carried out by the captain.

[10] The aircraft started to roll, so the crew reduced power on the operating engine to counter the thrust asymmetry.