Regarding the transponder OFF reason...
One of the tasks by the PNF/FO ( company dependent) in various emergency QRH procedures, including emergency descend, is to put the Transponder to TA on a lot of types/ airlines. ( can anyone confirm this for b777?)
I have seen multiple times that the PNF in high stress situations selects the transponder from TA/RA to OFF instead of TA.
By the way, FL295 is a non normal FL, and could have been flown to avoid other traffic as described in various contingency procedures, albeit in non-radar environments.
Last edited by despegue; 12th Mar 2014 at 17:18.
Reason: Clarity