The latest data given at the BFU press conference is available on their German language news page by now. (
http://www.bfu-web.de/aktuinfo-d28.htm )
According to the BFU, both CVR tapes have been repaired over the weekend, data are in excellent condition and first results have been obtained.
Early investigation of the CVR tapes indicates that both TCAS systems were working properly. About one minute before collision (times are not accurate yet), both crews received a TCAS TA. Approx. 15 secs later, the 757 TCAS commanded a "descend,descend " RA while the TU-154 RA was "climb, climb". 1 sec after this RA Zurich AACC issued a "decend level 350, expedite descend" command, followed by a "expedite descend level 350" 14 seconds later (that's approx. 30 secs prior to collision, 15 secs after the initial TCAS RA).
Again, interesting questions arise....
There is yet another report from the German Air Traffic Control DFS on the same news page. This report states that at 21:33:24 UTC, 2min 9 sec before the planes collided, Short Term Conflict Alert got triggered on one of the radar screens of the Karlsruhe UAC of Rhine Radar. Both airplanes were visible on this radar screen prior to the STCA alert. 9 seconds later, until collision, the controller tried to contact Zurich ACC about this, but was unable to get through to him on the direct connection, even using the priority button. At times, the lines was busy, later the line was apparently available. The controller expected relief when one Mode C readout changed to lvl 361 but this was only temporary for one sweep.
Failing to get a connection on the direct line, he tried a call by conventional postal phone lines, but time ran out on this, unfortunately. Very sad, and probably a nightmare to watch the collision without being able to change fate.
E_o_D