SS
I would agree with what I 'think' is your implication. That the pilot-rated observer did a damned good job. Quite possibly saving both of their lives. I guess it reinforces the idea that, sometimes single pilots of all experience levels are a little more easily overwhelmed than two qualified pilots flying together?
No argument from me there.
Was this pilot-rated observer, a qualified pilot on this type, and operation, but simply working as an observer on this particular flight?