RE: can i learn to fly without an instructor
Some will not crash, some will crash and give up, some will crash and carry on, depending mainly on the cost and toughness of aircraft they were using, also depending on their willingness to keep trying, everyone is different.
A good instructor is certainly a great help to those who are prepared to listen and follow procedures, but some people actually like to learn these things for themselves, - many do so, and if they don't hurt others, why should anyone say they can't or shouldn't?