In this scenario the “trusted friend” is the hero of the story as he is the one who initiated a course of action that may have prevented a much more dire outcom

In this scenario the “trusted friend” is the hero of the story as he is the one who initiated a course of action that may have prevented a much more dire outcome in the future by insuring that the pilot in command will receive remedial training on proper cockpit management and the junior pilot will benefit by remedial training. Pilot error is a non starter and in many cases the ultimate game ender.