Wasn’t the plan theoretically flyable with one engine? Is it possible better training might have helped?
Can’t be certified to carry passengers if it can’t takeoff with an engine failure.
So yes, it can takeoff with the loss of one engine.
Yeah... as long as it's in flight to begin with.
Having it happen right after takeoff while you are climbing and banking is about the worst time to have it happen, and the least likely you can recover. The higher you are before the engine failure, the better your chances.
A plane, flat and level flight, will start dropping if you bank (turn) it. When you do it at low speed(due to engine loss) and climbing as well.... you are screwed. The pilot knew. I would say that it is amazing he managed to ditch it in the water and avoided hitting anyone on the way down. That's my opinion, anyway.