The semantics of landing a plane

In response to this article in the Times, Mark S made a valid point about whether we had "pulled out of a nose diver" or simply hit the ground. A number of posters failed to understand the distinction - so here is my explanation.

Which would you rather be in:
A) a plane that pulls out of steep nosedive, or
B) a plane that stops falling because it has hit the ground (hard).

For my money I would prefer A, since there is a chance that you can either keep flying or at least land safely. The alternative B does not bode well for the plane, the passengers or those on the ground.

For my money I think we might be in the early stages of a crash landing - we are skimming along the waters of the Hudson hoping are Captain can bring us to rest safely without the fuselage breaking up.

Blessings for a good Captain

Father Ignatius Brown