I read through the thread. Maybe I overlooked it, but did the pilots let the tower know they were in trouble, or were they unaware of trouble or too busy keeping the plane aloft to radio? Thanks.
Answer to my own question. Found an article that said preliminary reports said there was no distress call. It was in an article pointing out that, maybe, the standard for pilot fatigue should be the same with freight and passenger carriers. I wonder if the pilot flying dozed off, after he lined up for the approach, and the other pilot was already taking a nap?
Ex-NTSB chief: FAA should rethink pilot fatigue rules after Ala. crash | Al Jazeera America