007
Totally agree without the chute both would have been dead! This pilot should not have been on an instrument approach as he was obviously totally incapable of flying intruments.
I would pull the chute over extensive forests if I had an engine failure or over mountains where my only landing was on a boulder shrewn river bed.
I would not pull the chute over a lush green English country side even if I took out a hedge in a subsequent forced landing.
As long as you keep the aircraft flying you are unlikely to kill yourself in a forced landing.
I would be cautious of pulling the chute on strong wind days.
007 I am not against the chute but am against its use as an answer to all ills
Pace