Jeff Skyles NOT pressing the "Ditch Switch" had absolutely no affect on the sinking of 1549. Pressing the switch would have closed the two outflow valves on the Aft Pressure Bulkhead. The fact that nearly 25% of the APB was ripped out negated his actions or lack there of.
The aft cabin flooded up to a depth of about 5ft (~2.2m) within minutes of coming to a stop (last row of passengers were 3ft ((1m)) deep within 60 seconds). The forward cabin remained relatively dry for a much longer period of time. The cabin was "habitable" for about 30 min after the ditching. The aircraft remained technically afloat for 22 hours before completely submerging (all except the left wingtip). Yes, it was right wing heavy due to the loss of No.1 engine. It didn't sink further because the right wingtip was stuck in the riverbottom.
The main source of bouency was the fuel in the tanks (and a bubble in the crown of the cabin). That fuel slowly leaked out through fuel lines and punctures solwly allowing the aircraft to sink.
C2j
