Loads of people have smashed or blown up vehicles in the name of entertainment, or clicks. An airplane is just a vehicle. Important is whether what was done was conscious of the safety of others. Seems in this case it was.

Not condoning his actions, but if he didn't intend anyone to be hurt, took reasonable precautions to ensure that, and then as a result, no one got hurt, it seems you're just left with fraud and a few damaged trees. Who even cares?

I similarly wouldn't care if someone targeted their 18-wheeler at a brick wall in the middle of nowhere and bailed, for clicks, and then lied on the accident report. This sensationalist reporting just makes a copycat more likely.