I know that I would never want to be the sole survivor of a crash that I had some part in. Lousy controller, poor runway layout, taxiway/runway markings etc. etc...these are all mitigating factors and they all played just a big a part as not verifying runway heading prior to departure. Mistakes happen and when they do, you have to deal with the consequences. I hope he makes a speedy recovery and gets back into the cockpit. That being said, I highly doubt he'll ever see the cockpit of a 121 carrier as a required crew member ever again. You cannot deny that he must accept part of the responsibility for this crash. After all, it was the crew that pushed the thrust levers forward that morning, not anyone else.

No one on here is perfect. I guarantee everyone on here has broken a reg, talked during sterile cockpit, blasted off without synching the heading bug, etc. etc. Everyone on here is lucky though because when we did all those things, it did not cause a fatal accident. When it does, I do not think it's realistic to expect a return to passenger flying for a 121 carrier. It doesn't mean I'm not pulling for the guy...I just don't see it happening.