Well, it's also a result of the AI wingmen apparently being blind to your presence on the six of an enemy as they press on the kill firing right through you to get them.
I've also collided with several friendlies who were jockeying to get on the six of my target that were likewise oblivious to me being there.

The Jedi Master

Love it when I attack 5 enemy A/C and my flight is orbiting above me enjoying the scenery. I get in some good licks and my targets engine starts belching black smoke-guess who shows up to run me over, shoot through me and try to steal the kill.

Yeah, this is my life-and the primary reason why I go on solo missions!

Love it when I attack 5 enemy A/C and my flight is orbiting above me enjoying the scenery. I get in some good licks and my targets engine starts belching black smoke-guess who shows up to run me over, shoot through me and try to steal the kill. Hate to say it but I have shot at them-problem is that because we're supposedly on the same side, it doesn't seem to cause them to break or dissengage.