timeline
from post 2303 ref reuters report: the transport minister..At 6:17 a.m. on Dec. 28, three minutes after air traffic control unsuccessfully tried to make contact and asked nearby aircraft to try to locate QZ8501, the A320 turned to the left and it began to climb from its altitude of 32,000 ft (9,750 meters), Jonan told a parliamentary hearing.
Now we have three minutes before the turn and climb, and after ATC unable to contact. This is an intriguing length of time.