A crash landing on water is technically called "ditching". Unless spiraling at a high rate of speed, many pilots would rather take their chances landing on water in the event of an emergency. It doesn't always turn out well, but in some cases there are exceptions. The pilot of the plane who crash landed on water in the Hudson River was proclaimed a hero. An ex fighter pilot, the seasoned pilot managed to land the plane without any fatalities or serious injuries. There are times, as in the case of JFK Jr and his wife, where landing in water proved to be deadly but in that instance, the plane was thought to be traveling at a high rate of speed. Whether crash landing in water or on land, a pilot must try to maintain as much control over the plane as possible. Control and a cool head are usually very beneficial in any aircraft accident.