Originally Posted by
WetCompass
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.
When I listen to the recording of the comms, one of the first things I hear is "Viper 1, mayday mayday mayday". Perhaps I am mistaken, but it seems to me that he did in fact declare a mayday.