the instructor considered himself lost it would seem to me that it would be prudent to turn on the radio, yes?Good point. This plane was operated unsafely, and is the cause of whatever problems ensued.
One think for a quick fly over the countryside, quite another to fly into such 'dangerous waters' so to speak and then not have the communication line open.
NO EXCUSE
The powers that be must punish this stupidity.
If the runaway bride is going to be fined for the cost of her search, then surely this instructor needs to be fined, big time, for the costs to our government for his disregard for safety.