"Blanche" wrote in message
...
112 mph, 30 deg bank = 3000 ft turn diameter
112 mph, 45 deg bank = 2000 ft turn diameter
112 mph, 60 deg bank = 1000 ft turn diameter

So, if the "canyon" is 2000 ft wide, and they were traveling
up the middle, incredibly difficult to make the turn safely.

www.csgnetwork.com/aircraftturninfocalc.html

I wouldn't characterize a 45-60 degree bank as "incredibly difficult". But
if there was an easterly wind, then their margin would have been reduced by
several hundred feet; that could've been part of the problem.

--Gary