WRONG!!! He was at a club field (apparently) and failed to follow club rules. It is NOT his choice to decide WHEN or HOW to fly as a beginner. His flight could easily ended up much different and depending on what happened could have even resulted in the club losing it's field or being subject to a lawsuit.
It's great that he was able to crash his plane without damage but that is what it was-a crash. I don't know if having the instructor there would have helped any but I would bet that the plane would have landed properly. And yes, what about the radio batteries? And his own personal safety. I have seen serious prop injuries that required IMMEDIATE medical attention. Has not several others been on the field one of them may well have died.
This type of self-centered flying would not be tolerated at the field I fly at, nor should it be.

Clubs have rules for a reason, follow them!