Or programmed a course correction to 40 degrees THEN left?
But I see the good point.
Here is the ABC NEWS quote reported extensively:
"Adding to the intrigue, ABC News reported that the dramatic left turn was preprogrammed into the plane's navigation computer. It's a task that would have required extensive piloting experience.
Two senior law enforcement officials also told ABC that new information revealed the plane performed "tactical evasion maneuvers" after it disappeared from radar. CNN was unable to confirm these reports."
??