As usual, bad journos have ensured that the storey dosn't stack up. Why/how would you modify a Tucano to fly slowly enough to pace a "Cessna jet"? Can a Tucano even keep up with a Citation? If it was a C152/172, 15,000ft is a tad high, although it would explain a possible stroke at that altitude. I too would be incapacitated or die of old age before my C152 achieved that altitude.
Well done RAF, Excellent! - best wishes and a speedy recovery to Mr O'Neill.