Originally Posted by RR_NDB
Still supposing they hit surface first:
1) When they separate from a/c IMO they would travel further than other a/c pieces. Reasons:
a) A/c horizontal speed
b) itīs inertia (mass)
c) Less "water braking capability" (better hydrodynamics)
Hence it seems to me that they are in the "end" of the debris field farther from the point a/c hit surface.
Well, it is your opinion but you should check at the videos and wonder if Sullenberger's A320 engines were recovered farther than his airframe. Look at the "drag/breaking/anchor" effect when they contacted water... only second, after his tail end.
This nearly stopped his aircraft in the Hudson.