Malabo,
In the scheme of things....which seat the PIC was sitting in is small potatoes to the list of other problems about the operation is going to see identified in the investigation.
A long time ago in my wild youth I was offered a Copilot job flying DC-4's from way down south into remote airstrips in the States hauling agriculture products.....well just one product.
The money was excellent an all tax free paid cash on the barrel head at the destination at the northern end.
When I opined that I was interested but did not have a DC-4 Type Rating.....and was given a very odd look by the guy offering the job.
He reminded me that if we ever got Ramp Checked....the very least of my worries would be not having a Type Rating.
That is an analogy for the situation extant for MarPat Aviation today.....the PIC could have been in the back seat with the passengers and it would not make much difference than what was going on.
For the record.....I passed on that DC-4 job....as the prospects of living in a very secure government owned housing facility was not very appealing.
MarPat better sound the Collision Alarm and Issue a Standby for Collision Warning to all Hands. What is coming is not going to be pleasant at all.