There is a video out now that appears to show a bird was ingested, and a separate video with a very noticeable bang from the engine at the same time. And, numerous reports that they are trained on low altitude engine failures to try to gain altitude, preferably 2000 feet before bailing out.
Something clearly distracted him at the wrong time. Maybe he noticed the left turn put him over a residential neighborhood and then tried to keep it going too long in an effort to limit the collateral damage. One of those quick decision chains that can haunt someone for their entire life.