Dense pushed Tri-X negs with TMax developer (1+4)

I am asking this question on behalf of my friend who has had a frustrating evening processing an important roll of Tri-X neg. From our discussion, I understand that she had pushed Tri-X to 1600 and used an aperature range between 3.5 and 5.6 with shutter speed of 1/4 sec. She was documenting a surgical procedure under standard Operating room lighting. Since her meter was misbehaving, I suggested clip testing. So far, she's tried TMax developer at 1+4 at 20 degrees Celsus for the durations of 6 min. and 10 min (for EI800 and EI1600, respectively). In either case, the clip was extremely dense, as if the shots were at least 3 stops overexposed. Assuming that her metering was unlikely to be off by 4 stops, can anyone explain the result and perhaps suggest a remedy? Personally, I am not a big fan of TMax developers. I have offered other developers to her to try (Xtol, Rodinol, D-76, Microdol-X). Am I right to assume that TMax developer is not great for push processing? Thank you in advance for any contributing answer.

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