I had a similar debate with coworkers about returning 404 when a DB webhoook query found no rows. It added extra complexity to client code trying to figure out if it was a bad URL, bad query, or just no rows.
When I hear stories like this I'm reminded of my own similar experience in the 90s.
I was the passenger in a light truck (late 80s Toyota) with my friend driving in moderate freeway traffic. At the time we were moving around 30mph. I had a clear view of the pedals as the cabin was relatively sparse.
He suddenly accelerates then starts pumping the accelerator. The motion surprised me which caused me to look at his foot pumping the accelerator. I could hear the engine revving and feel the car lurch each time while also thinking we're going to hit the car in front of us if he doesn't stop.
After the 4th or 5th pump, his foot hits the brake. Just inches from the car in front of us, he turns to me and said, "The brake was stuck and wasn't working." I told him that he was actually stomping on the accelerator pedal the whole time.