turn
Hard to say what anyone will do with a sudden situation or even what the same person will do the next time. The surprise is so complete that it can tend to make you freeze and cost you precious seconds.
By trying to expect trouble you can alleviate some of this, my rule is ,if its still making power,,,any power and not on fire or shaking itself off the plane I keep her lit. At that point I could care less if I destroy the engine getting it on the ground as long as I don't bend the plane or myself.
I agree, it looks like a left turn would have placed him over clear ground quicker. It seems to me that leaving the gear up may have been a better choice given the deep snow on the ground and way better glide ratio with the wheels up. The Mooney's with a Johnson bar gear are very quick and easy to deploy with nothing but elbow grease. Still over the snow slide her in and not risk going over! You will do way less damage to the plane sliding on its belly than if you go over or tear the gear off.
Just my opinion,,, results will vary!!!!!
Dave