Originally Posted by
Sam Rutherford
I had misread the first post, thought the Dornier was off the left wingtip (the last area they checked after right and centre). So, if the Dornier was on the right, then turning right seems very odd... (at best).
Just in discussion, say the Dornier was on their left so their turn in was 'safe', skip that part.
I'm not entirely convinced any type of maneuvering - even evasive - is sensible after hearing "we are currently formation flying with a 172". They've said they're doing it, they appear to be doing it, let's not maneuver further and give them a chance to screw it up. Two aircraft not maneuvering in proximity are less likely to collide than two aircraft maneuvering in proximity.
I think that an immediate mayday call following their "we are in formation" message would have put a very quick stop to this whole nonsense and been the best course of action.