Much better that he'd died. I suppose then Pace could have told us all that he was an ace pilot and right not to deploy his 'chute.
Flyable aircraft but pilot out of depth or even simply frightened: PULL THE CHUTE. Miracle escapes are better for GA than fatal accidents. As for "not what I was taught," Then you are not receptive to continuous improvement, the latest training wisdom and maintaining the currency of your skills. Truly an apology for a pilot whose attitude should be IMHO one of "learning all the time."