First of all, Hi Jane, good to see your words again. Next, every time I get on a plane I kiss my butt goodbye. A simple way of saying my fate for the duration of the flight is pretty much out of my hands, and in the hands of someone I do not know but assume is sober and competent. I feel very secure in the hands of a pilot who is making a number of trips to the same location every day. I would say they are familiar with the island and the landing strip. Did the pilot make an error in judgement regarding the conditions, or did he take a chance he shouldn't have? Was the crash on approach? I am somewhat amazed that the water landing in question resulted in no injuries. The fact that the people were able to even get out of that plane (which is an excercise in itself on dry ground) is cause for wonder. I was also amazed that people would cut their vacation short after the experience. If it was me, I would have extended it another week.
Regarding those folks on American. I shake my head. Regardless of anyones claims, those seats were made for short people. Did they expect a nine hour flight to be made in an easy chair?

Been there, done that, the washing machine ate the T-shirt