All the conjecture about better tracking systems aside, would't a simple detachable-on-impact EPIRB thingy do the job of informing where impact had occurred? These things are fitted on ships' liferafts, yachts, helicopters etc; surely fitting them to a vertical stabilizer shouldn't be an insurmountable challenge? Certainly less expensive than continuous data feed. If, as a result, the point of contact with earth or sea can be identified quickly, would that not obviate the need and expense of sweeping thousands of square miles in search of the recorders? Or am I being too naive?