I'm not qualified to judge the pilots, so I won't. That said, the events do need to be investigated by those who are qualified to do so and, if necessary, action taken against them and/or their commanders.
What I do think is reprehensible is the American authorities' attempt to cover it up. I heard a quote from the US State Department saying it thought the Sun's publication of the leaked video was a criminal act. Well guess what, pal?! So was lying to a coroner's inquest by claiming it didn't exist.
Have the Americans learned nothing from Watergate? The original events are never as bad as the attempt to cover them up.