I used to fly RJ's, and I read the transcript.
I see two guys being thorough, with complete briefs and even a taxi brief from the f/o. Yeah, there was small talk - here's the deal: it is how communication is established before a flight begins. You get to know a guy's background, his experience level, his energy level - and you make it easier to communicate effectively before the motors start turning. If a guy won't engage in small talk during the preflight, then we got a problem....
Somebody tell that
pr!ck in the KY paper that sterile cockpit begins after the towbar is disconnected. Yeah they chatted a little after that. And it may have contributed. But 95% of the chatter on the transcript was in the chocks.
I know Comair, I know Comair's pilots, and I'm telling you folks: if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.