Having had recent dealings with this pilot (elsewhere) I thought "that was close" and "accident waiting to happen". To be fair the same thoughts came up a number of times during the shift, this is the first time I wish I'd had a fiver on it.
Roll the die of chance continually making basic mistakes, failing essential checks and talking to The Force will catch up with you in the end.
I doubt the overall reputation of GA has been seriously damaged by this nice man - nice apologetic man, at least he was when I met him.
Glad he and others were not hurt - anyone check on the squirrels?