Whether it was realistic or not the film "Sullenberg" gave a very good responsre to the question. When briefed all the pilots were able to return the sim to the airport. When not briefed all failed and if they did not choose the river passengers would have died.
I would hope that whatever the failure an unbriefed pilot should be able to achieve stable flight so the problem could be diagnosed or a diversion. Obviously failure may be a learning experience but in real life it is a failure.