Someone more current please correct me if I'm wrong, but according to my memory of many jump-seat rides in TU5 with 3 crew cockpit it is the PF who selects the flaps on callout from PM (speed check), with the FE adjusting throttles on verbal command (PF only handles throttles on final approach). The flap lever can only be moved one stop by compressing the two side clamps, another stop requires a release of the hold and compressing the clamps again.
I see mentally confusing original flap setting and believing to move the lever from 28 to 15 while in reality it was from 15 to 0 a plausible scenario. In either case, were it flaps instead of gear, the FDR will tell as gear/flap position parameters are recorded.