According to witnesses, Preoteasa was the only person standing at the time, telling others that he was glad not to have been asked to wear a seat belt; when control of the airplane was lost, he remarked, probably in jest, "This was not in the schedule", which were to be his last words.
According to eyewitnesses, Preoteasa was the sole individual present at the time, expressing relief that he had not been required to wear a seatbelt; when control of the aircraft was lost, he made a comment, likely in jest, "This was not in the schedule," which would be his final words.