> All in all it seems very unlikely that this would be a practical method
> to save lives.
I think there has been plans to create a ejectable containment with
the passengers which is braked by a biggie 'chute. Braking with
just-before-impact triggered solid-fuel thrusters could make the
landing even safer. Of course if your containment is drifting
somewhere in the stormy sea after the 'safe' landing you've got
another, larger problem upon your hands...
ciao,
'gene