NavList:

I don't believe what you are saying. There must be a way of dissipating energy while still in the air, by changing the angle of attack, or changing air resistance with flaps or whatever. Otherwise, how could a glider ever land safely? Gary was merely speaking about the optimum angle of attack with respect to gaining maximum distance. I see no reason why the plane could in theory not have touched the water with zero kinetic energy left.

Dave said: Interestingly, the initial impact might have been less survivable in July, because there would have been more energy to dissipate.