How terrifying it would be to start nose diving after you're already in panic at the failed engine

Birbs, man. I haven’t flown much since I got my license, but even in my brief experience, I’ve locked eyes with a couple of hawks right in front of me as I was in the pattern. Fortunately they both dove (ahem) and cleared my path. Then there was the time I was waiting for my check ride - the instructor was up checking another student. When they got back for my turn, their aircraft had a huge dent in the leading edge of the wing. Birb, not as smart or lucky as the ones I’d encountered. But the plane still flew, albeit with a bit more drag and less lift. The student handled the incident calmly and smartly and passed their check ride! (My check ride was also successful, but far less eventful.)