I believe that this was a case where privilege led to hubris which led to being the legendary ‘bold pilot’ who exceeded his competency. I cannot help but wonder if he might have survived if he was alone in the aircraft where he could pull himself out without embarrassment. Ego can get in the way of logic and being able to say “I’m in trouble!”
“wonder if he might have survived if he was alone in the aircraft”
And I’ve always wondered if the two female passengers didn’t panic to the extent that pandemonium could have broken out inside the cabin.