Well I think it's a very complicated accident, I don't want to criticize anyone based on my YouTube knowledge of the accident, but with my knowledge of scud running, Alaska and the Grand Canyon, I am well aware of what it involves.
Anytime a pilot drops through a hole and descends to 1500 foot above the ground, should know exactly what he's doing, doesn't matter whether it's a Cessna 206 or a DC-10. And seeing lights on your transponder blinking shouldn't lead anyone to assume they are within radar control, especially an experienced aviator. Tragic.