Is this an exploiter or genuine mechanic?

Had a wierd interaction with another player ship vs ship.

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I was minding my own business when another player ambushed me with balistic weapons. I struggled to target the ship and when i did it had a grey box around it, not red. While i was clearly being attacked. I had just taken off and was unable to retract my lamding gear. Unable to steer the ship and unable fly.

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I somehow managed to gain some altitude and then the engines stopped working and my powerplant was destroyed.

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I stayed alive long enough for my ship to do self repair and got everything back online. The enemy ship disappeared and yet i still couldnt play away. Panding gear, steering had all gone. I could slowly fly in reverse. I then fell to the planet even though i had got enough height to leave the atmosphere and still no controls were working.

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I found it wierd that the player didnt turn to a red target and i lost all controls or able to fly the ship. Is this a genuine game mechanic?

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Any advice on whether it is a dirty cheater or a genuine pvp tactic and how to counteract it.

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o7