Odd vapour trails

[AeroSpark]

I took this pic in Southampton this morning. Never seen a trail like it before, and there was a an older one further to the south the same shape. Anyone got an idea why an aircraft would have flown a turn like that?



It seems that Sky have picked up on it as well
Mystery Over 'Weird' Plane Trail Photograph

[Radix]

..........

[WeeJeem]

"TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC." ?

[Tarq57]

Probably avoiding a nature reserve.

The critters don't like the chemicals they put in those things.

[ShyTorque]

The pilots probably decided to fly on an offset track at that point, rather than direct.

[AeroSpark]

My initial thought was lateral separation, but you'd think there would be another trail alongside that thw turn took it away from. I think I'll go with Sky news sneeze theory. Must have been a hell of a blow to turn the heading knob that far!

[RedhillPhil]

It's too allow the correct drift for the chemtrail layer.

[BOAC]

Well, if that is a morning shot from Southampton (looking East) that would be a very strange offset manoeuvre!! More likely a bit of 'how's yer father' in the cockpit and a while before anyone noticed the 'movement' of the (heading) knob..........

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

ATC would be certain to question a manoeuvre like that, unless it was ATC initiated for some reason.

[wiggy]

Ah, so that's what executing a "direct to" a little bit close to a intermediate waypoint looks like from the ground........

[SpringHeeledJack]

A view from underneath…

Mysterious photo of Hampshire plane's bizarre flight path sparks speculation | Daily Mail Online

The DM respondents seem to think it was a lateral wind that miraculously kept the trail intact.

[togsdragracing]

Occam's Razor would say wind shear.

[fantom]

Agree with ShyT. It is exactly what an offset would look like. A new pilot having a try, maybe; Line training or just a demo.

[BOAC]

Then let's hope the crew had ATC clearance for that!

[fantom]

Absolutely no need; just turn down box 1's volume.

[BOAC]

.....that is assuming it was turned up, of course.

[fantom]

When I am King, ATC will be optional.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I had a boss like you once......

[Selfloading]

Someone put a mug of tea down on the navigators chart