training wheels: Wouldn't such a turn off track (pull selected mode) be consistent with memory item procedures for an emergency descent?
As per flightradar24 raw data
Between 09:30:52 and 09:30:55 we can see that the autopilot was manually changed from 38,000 feet to 100 feet
Which is consistent with time required to turn the knob (in 1000s). Possible 4-5 turns?
But,
No, the buttons, lever that you turn. You turn several times according to how much altitude you want to lose. It's a deliberate thing. It can't be done automatically. Well, if his head was to hit it, maybe it'll move by a quarter of a turn, but it won't do anything. It won't turn it 15 times.
15 times is too much. What other inputs were done?
So, there is not only a deliberate altitude change that would be just suffice.