Clear_Prop:
Is it possible that all the radio calls leading up to the incident were made using RMP2 up until the initial point of the scenario developing; and that thereafter the person operating RMP1 subsequently took charge of putting some emergency calls in, possibly on several occasions? With a rapidly developing situation and the knowledge that they were in the midlde-of-VHF-nowhere... can we rule out the possibiility that even in a controlled emergency descent, the crew may have overlooked a function check / repeat calls on RMP2, feeling that calls had been made as per procedure?
Hi,
Very good point, added to:
1. After landing in Brazil, May 31st, F-GZCP had radio issues: RMP1 had failed. The mech switched the panels with RMP3 which was left INOP for her return leg.
2. In case of double-engine failure, followed by EMER ELEC, only VHF1-HF1 would be available... via RMP1, if working?
3. The fairly bad weather around her in all directions, considering she would have to fly lower, may by itself account for a major issue when using comms.