Lordy there are some strange justifications on this thread. I won't mention the original subject because as mentioned it's sub-judice. However, miscalculating fuel, then crashing into someone's house is always gross negligence. It's no more an 'honest mistake' than driving your car while 3 sheets to the wind. This sort of stupidity kills people every year and (if true) the bloke's lucky he's not facing a manslaughter charge. The apparent desire amongst some ppruners to always take the pilots side is not, in this case, helpful to GA.
PS Whirlybird you're an instructor - is this what you teach your students?