chunk of birds was big enouigh to show up on radar, hence why it killed both engines. and they always hear the explosion of engines when they flare out. plane was submerged quickly because of the luggages sized holes in bottom let cabin fill with water. Pilot was a vet who preferred water to making the lap, as his altitude was dropping quickly.
I'm all for a good conspiracy theory, but I don't see one here. Pilot made a maverick move and dipped to water, and it paid off.