But that's crazy in my view - how can a plane just turn back on itself and fly completely the wrong way for hours without anyone either noticing or alerting a h

But that's crazy in my view - how can a plane just turn back on itself and fly completely the wrong way for hours without anyone either noticing or alerting a higher authority. I mean, as far as I can tell this just wouldn't happen if flying from one location to another in the west. Imagine if a plane took off from New York bound for Vancouver, and just turned back on itself and started flying out into the ocean. No one would notice or do anything?!