The defence in French Polynesia's trial over the 2007 Air Moorea crash has challenged the investigation report.
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Twenty people died when the Twin Otter fell into the sea shortly after taking off for Tahiti.
The crash investigation showed steering cables tore in several places in the front section of the aircraft.
However, the defence suggested the cable only tore when the sunken aircraft was salvaged.
The defence earlier also suggested that the pilot's health may have failed and caused the accident.
The trial enters its third week tomorrow, with seven people being accused of involuntary homicide.
A month ago French Polynesia's court of appeal ruled that $US3.3 million had to be paid in compensation to the families of the victims.