Part 3/9:
The two pilots returned later that evening to prepare for their return journey to Addis Ababa. However, they were greeted with challenging weather conditions, including thunderstorms near the airport. Following a standard pre-flight briefing on performance calculations and navigation settings, they began to set the aircraft for takeoff.
During the preparations, they made critical errors, including an incorrect stabilizer trim setting. Miscommunication loomed in the cockpit, with no deep discussions on how to approach the challenging weather they faced. This lack of communication and oversight would prove pivotal in the events to follow.