So a ship that size can accelerate so quickly you can pick it up with your eyes over that distance and at rhat angle. Of course a ship will change direction if it loses directional control, and maybe that smoke from the exhaust was increasing the engine revs trying to maintain directional control, or applying reverse direction to the prop trying to slow the ship. Keep looking out for those contrails, they know you know and they're coming for you, your tin hat can't protect you this time.
