The pilot said he hit something, I did not see where the copilot confirmed this, or if he was even in the cockpit. Since we have had pilots kill themselves and all on board by intentionally crashing the plane, I don't see making up a lie that no one can dispute as unlikely. Heck if proved there was nothing the pilot could claim it was an eye floater and no problem with career. Heck it would likely be good for his resume.