PJ2,
There would be nothing left to float given the nature of the impact
Right!
2T+2T inside light and flat structures impacting nearly parallel to surface, very probably make it break in pieces and itīs
remains IMO, floats. Thus explaining why not found.
Approximately thirty pieces are external parts of the plane (vertical stabiliser,
pieces of the radome, the engine cowl, the under belly fairing, the flap
actuator fairing, the
trimmable horizontal stabiliser and the secondary control
surfaces).
BEA f-cp090601e1.en page 39