The area where the engines and most of the aircraft came down is only three or four blocks wide, with Jamaica Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
1. The vertical stabilizer is a lot lighter than an engine.
2. From observing the smoke plume, it is obvious that there was a fairly strong breeze off of the ocean - toward Jamaica Bay.
3. Depending on the altitude of the aircraft when the "engine came off", and the distance "off-shore" where the stabilizer and other "light" parts fell in Jamaica Bay it is conceivable that the engine could have knocked these parts off. The engine would have dropped almost vertical but the lighter parts could have been blown back the several blocks toward Jamaica Bay.
Just a thought. We'll soon know for sure.
I think this is the best explanation I've seen yet. Thank you for offering it.
Regards, Jen