Radio alt reads only below 2500 feet (radio), and by that time they were in so much trouble, so confused, that it didn't seem to help.
The SSR readout on ATC radar read 9000 feet and they believed it, despite its source being ADC derived like everything else.
So, as I thought, the only altitude source not connected to the static vents was the cabin alt, and by depressurising the cabin it would have read aircraft alt.
Once established on a stable approach the rad alts would have been very useful.
Last edited by jaytee54; 7th Apr 2015 at 19:09.