Sensor_Validation:
Here's a graphic overlay of the latest BEA Search Area Update, 17 May, 2010, centered on the Last Known Position. As you can see, no part of the central 20nm diameter area has been searched. Some search traverses were made northward and eastward about 12 miles out from the LKP. The blue area directly north of the LKP is very deep.
The bodies seemed to drift in a cluster along a course setting due northward from this central area (see
post 1120).
In your scenario surely South or South East of last position is possible?
No reason to believe the aircraft didn't end up southward of the LKP, either. Once the upset developed, heading became irrelevant.
GB