I dont see anything contentious about:
" Sounds like they scared themselves fartless - due to poor execution of a valley turn",
and I am guessing if you asked the crew they would agree that pretty much hit the nail on the head. ... However, I also agree with SASless:
"Seems there was some very good airmanship in retrieving what had become a very bad situation." - Once they regained their situational awareness, the crew were discilplined enough to review their decisions including automation modes, and fixed the situation. Could be an interesting case study for my next CRM training event!