HTC, would it be possible to make a short "gouge" in the dirt when a plane ditches? Make it say, 3-5 plane lengths long (not too long). Make it show up for wheels-up landings on runways, too, as this would leave marks as well.
Second idea: Is there any way to make planes that ditch on water sink after 20 seconds or so? There have been times when I've ditched in water and just sat there watching the fight around me, or watching the enemy try to get the kill on me, or what-have-you. Might be a bit more realistic if we limited this "sit and watch" time to 20-30 seconds, after which time the plane sinks under water. If you're still in when it's al the way under blub-blub you're dead and in the tower.