What should the flying attitude be during touchdown on a ditching maneuver?

During a ditching maneuver, the preferred flying attitude during touchdown is slightly tail low. This approach allows for a more controlled and stable landing on the water surface. By maintaining a slightly tail-low attitude, the aircraft can better manage the impact with the water and reduce the likelihood of the nose diving into the water, which can lead to uncontrolled dynamics and potential flipping of the aircraft.

The slightly tail low position helps to protect the aircraft's structure and allows for a smoother glide onto the water, minimizing the risk of injury to occupants and maximizing the chances of a successful ditching. It also aids in maintaining directional control upon impact with the water, which helps prevent the aircraft from swerving or rolling over.

In contrast, a tail high attitude could lead to a rougher touchdown as the main gear would strike the water first and potentially cause the aircraft to pitch forward. A level attitude might not absorb the impact effectively, while a nose-high attitude could result in a sudden drop of the nose upon touchdown, leading to a more hazardous situation. Thus, the slightly tail low attitude is optimal for a safe ditching procedure.