The pilot goofed. And maybe the controller sent him to the wrong RW. But even if so, pilot should have refused the clearance.
The pilot goofed? Are you a pilot? Accident investigator?
Or just a goof ball sitting at home making a guess?
Maybe they tried a desperate attempt to turn back to the airport and land. Wouldn't the shorter runway be the closest? I am a 20 year ATP and I KNOW what I am talking about.