how can this not be classed as an "accident"? can you imagine the CAA doing that?!
Part 830 NTSB says:
an “Accident” is “an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.”
"Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component."
i guess the aircaft sinking to the bottom of the sea doesn't affect the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft!?