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This theory is not plausible as Malaysian authorities announced that primary radar returns suggest the plane turned SSW.[1] Additionally the airspace at the Chinese coast is most likely closely monitored 24/7.

Another good source for information/speculation is the Airliners Thread, currently at part 12: http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/re...

[1] http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2014/03/search-for-m...

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If they managed to turn around partially before they understood what was going on, autopilot could have continued in that direction as well. That could possibly be why they're looking at the Malacca straights now instead of the original search zone since primary radar supposedly detected the plane in that vicinity at 2:40am, an hour after it went dark.

Seems like they would have donned O2 masks, lowered altitude, and made for an emergency landing.

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