In my mind I've always pictured the landing like this... After a long, stressful flight, Gardner is spotted and after a quick look around the reef flat is chosen as the only place where the plane can possibly be saved. Amelia sets up the approach and touches down exactly where she wants. The plane is rolling out nicely and just as our heroes realize they've made it and begin to relax, the left gear finds a hole/crack in the coral and the plane makes a semi-violent ground loop to the left as it pivots around the jammed gear. Though belted in their seats, Amelia and Fred are flung to the right with Fred's head bashing up against the right side of the cockpit. The plane sits facing the sea with a lowered left wing due to the severely damaged gear.
Whatever way you decide to paint it Frank, I hope you'll share it with us. Good luck!