Bearfoil
If the a/c (447) turned in either direction, 459 is the likely flight to interrogate for any desperate contact from 447. Why? In turning, it was allowing 459 to get "closer" to their problem, advantageous for reception of a 121.5 ELT at impact.
Situational awareness of other traffic by AF447 isn't something I'd hang my hat on. Evidence points to the fact they were on Selcal watch from 0136z, and I doubt they even knew that AF459 was 30 mins or so behind them.
The ELT business has been discussed thoroughly earlier in this thread:-
- Manual/Auto activated fixed unit with antenna on top of fuselage just aft of rear door.
- Likely antenna was lost as V/S departed on impact.
- Portable manual units in cabin.
- One recovered - unactivated.
NeoFit
The MEL on departure Rio de Janeiro covered the substitution of the good overhead unit (RMP3) for the PIC's faulty unit (RMP1). What could have triggered a similar failure on the relocated RMP3? The only thing that happened after their last comms with RECIFE Center on VHF, was a transfer to HF and establishing comms with ATLANTICO. The MEL seems rather innoccuous - it may or may not be important.
mm43