I hate it for the ones that were lost. This is a problem when every you build a city around an airport. Yes it is nice for the traveler but when it goes wrong the results usually are bad unless you name is Capt Sulley. If they would have took off somewere in an open terrian he may could have don't everything everyone is suggesting and even made it back to the airport.
Put your self in the pilot seat.
They did their best to avoid everything they could with all the buildings and terrain.
If you really look at the damage it was small and some lives were saved.
What if he would have hit one of the buildings. We have seen what happens then. Fire, people on the ground and in the building killed.
He managed to get lucky enought to hit water.
That save a lot of live to cushion the hit and keep the fires away.
Prayers to all involved.