Some actual COD guys can weigh in, but as a couple were explaining to me Wednesday, the props are prone to fail to feather during engine failure. When an engine fails at certain power settings, the aircraft is not flyable.

Also, if it occurs in an approach/landing configuration, you’re quickly running out of options. However, that’s in close proximity to the ship, so plane guard would be right on the spot, which would make rescue/recovery pretty timely. I don’t know if this was the case not.

FWIW, a news report I heard yesterday assumed that both engines had failed. I would say that is speculation at best right now, but I guess it is at least a possibility.

In any case, ditching is rarely survivable. The crew up front deserves a lot of credit, without a doubt