I fell the exact opposite to Pace. Had the pilot had the option of a chute would the outcome have been positive? I don't know. A silent aircraft gliding with a reasonable horizontal velocity, or a parachuting aircraft with a much lower horizontal velocity and more time for the people to get out of the way. The reality is, the figures i have seen elsewhere clearly show the parachute a safer option for everyone concerned, including those on the ground. Forced landings and loss of control have killed many on the ground, parachuting aircraft - I am not aware of any, but I am sure somebody will find some.
I do feel we might be hijacking the thread. None of us were there and the options and decisions made by the bloke on the spot is hard to assess from the safety of our armchairs. It is a tragedy for the family on the ground, lets try to learn the correct lessons.