Folks do like to criticise the UK flying rules and regs and some try to use them as a way of jibing at those who must work under them.
For the record, I'm also highly frustrated by them at times. Not least the cost and time factor in getting exemptions or for permissions to carry out a particular flying task. Especially as I was brought up on the far less restrictive military low flying rules.
But it would be difficult to disagree that this accident gives credence to the UK's "500 foot rule".
An aircraft destroyed and three people injured. Looking at the photos, all of them are very lucky not to have been killed.