Don't forget though that the aircraft was always losing altitude, initially it was reported that the pilot requested a return and was half way through the ATC turn vector when he reassessed that the aircraft would not make it back. There are a lot of tall obstructions between the aircraft and the airport, maybe if those building weren't there the aircraft may have made it in a straight out glide, however it would seem that if in any doubt the best thing to do is to turn away from the obstacle and the river is a sure way of ensuring no collateral damage when the aircraft comes down.