The contribution deals with the first step in using proper wave-equation based ultrasound propagation model in image reconstruction from the ultrasonic computed tomography data. Particularly, it compares the transducer calibration results obtained via direct measurement of the empty image field and consequential data processing based on a simple direct-propagation model with the simulation results obtained via solving the single-frequency wave equation under proper border conditions reflecting the realistic measurement geometry. The results show a reasonable qualitative agreement when a certain degree of phase-shifted coupling from the transmitting transducer elements to the neighbouring elements of the transducer field is admitted.