Goering's incompetence led to a decline in the strength of the Luftwaffe. Half the young German pilots sent out on missions towards the end of the war died, because of the unrealistic demands made on them. Goering abused the pilots and called them cowards. He retreated to his luxurious estate, Carinhall, where he showed more interest in hunting than the Luftwaffe. Near the end of the war, he went to Obersalzberg. He thought that Hitler was dead, and attempted to take over as his appointed successor. However, Hitler was still alive and ordered Goering arrested.