[Mobhack]

The original Steel panthers 1 when released did not allow you to enter an enemy held hex. Later it was allowed.

But combat in the same hex has always subsequently been squiffy, as the bearing routines were written assuming that at least 1 hex of distance separation would apply. Which if distance is zero - is not the case.

Thus you can go into combat in the same hex and get a frontal hit one shot, and then a rear hull the next. And this one (fixed arc bow weapons in slot 4) - seems to be another case of it getting confused at 0 range.

Its an edge condition, and you seem to have found a workaround.