This pilot did the right thing - so what if he put his foot in his mouth on the radio. D+D once took care of me when I experienced an engine failure and I can assure you that my transmissions were hardly textbook! In fact I am sure I would be very embarrased if I were forced to listen to the tapes again - however when we lose our reserve the communication is often the first thing to go.
I must admit to experiencing a feeling of impending doom during both my fixed wing and helicopter solo cross countries. A rapid splattering type of death seemed imminent and inescapable. Something to do with you suddenly realising you are in charge of a large lump of metal quite far above the safety of terra firma without having an instructor there to save your bacon if it all went pear shaped.
It really doesn't take much extra stress to induce panic when you are trying to aviate and navigate all at once - I think we have all been there, it is fear that keeps us alive.
SB