The Germanwings co-pilot reportedly researched suicide methods and cockpit door security right before the plane crash

BERLIN (AP) - German prosecutors say the co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525 appears to have researched suicide methods and cockpit door security in the days before the plane crashed last week.

Duesseldorf prosecutors said Thursday investigators found a tablet computer at Andreas Lubitz's apartment. They said they were able to reconstruct searches from March 16 to March 23.

Investigators believe the 27-year-old Lubitz locked his captain out of the A320's cockpit on March 24 and deliberately crashed the plane. All 150 on board died.

Prosecutors' spokesman Ralf Herrenbrueck said in a statement that search terms included medical treatment and suicide methods. On at least one day, the co-pilot looked at search terms involving cockpit doors and their security methods.

The captain of the Germanwings plane could reportedly be heard on the cockpit voice recorder banging on the door and trying to break it down with an axe. Lubitz did not respond to his pleas.

Lubitz reportedly lied to his doctors and told them that he was on sick leave from his job as a pilot, German tabloid Bild reported on Thursday. But Lubitz was still flying planes while he was on strong anti-depressant drugs. Side effects of the drugs include an increased risk of suicide, and patients are advised not to drive while they're on the medication.

Lubitz also might have developed an eye condition that would possibly prevent him from continuing his career as a pilot. He reportedly sought treatment for an eye condition before the plane crash.

Medical records noted that Lubitz was on medication to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks.

A crumpled-up sick note was found at Lubitz's home that would have excused him from work the day of the crash.