I don't know exactly, but I do remember seeing on VH1 that the pilot(s) didn't want to fly, and Ronnie just said "If it's your time, it's your time. Let's go." So yeah, Ronnie was an idiot. It was your time because you MADE it your time! You threw your life away, literally!
I'm surprised he was able to convince the pilots to do it though. You'd think at least they'd be like, "Nah, I'm not gonna let you kill me today."