Agree, so sad. RIP.
Back in Earnest Gann's time, crews apparently lasted only a very short time in cloud before getting into serious difficulties, before the days of IMC instrument flying. I can't now remember what instrument flying is part of the PPL? - is it enough to stay reasonably level at a constant speed and turn 180° in mist or cloud by sole reference to instruments?
Also, I don't recall microbursts from CBs being adequately taught and warned about.