fg32 :-
The plane flew steadily away from the satellite over the equator while pinging, McLaughlin said.
are you interpreting this as ( note the comma)
The plane flew steadily away from the satellite over the equator, while pinging, McLaughlin said.
or
The plane flew steadily away from the satellite, over the equator while pinging, McLaughlin said.
At least one of those interviews is on here I will see if I can find it