Originally Posted by
Xhorst
Unless you have intimate insider knowledge of the nature of the accident and the damage to the airframe, then your alternative scenario exists purely in your imagination.
The PIC was there, and made an assessment and a decision. That was his job. There is zero evidence that the decision was a poor one. So given the tragic nature of the event, is it asking too much to keep armchair expert opinions where they belong?
You really don't want to understand the point, eh?
In FUTURE midairs, if pilots are unsure of the extent of the damage to their aircraft, they should declare a Mayday and consider alternative airports available other than just home base. That goes for ATC as well, perhaps they should suggest alternatives.