I seem to recall a previous discussion on this .........
There was quite a bit of discussion. I started it by making the claim that an experienced, rational pilot would not have landed any place on the reef. Especially one who has a history of ground loops. As an experienced pilot, I would have put her down, gear up, in the lagoon. There was some discussion with a few non-pilots dissenting by stating that Earhart would have wanted to save her airplane first.
To me and few other experienced pilots this didn't make much sense simply because survival comes first. Ensuring rescue comes second. A good pilot would not consider saving the airplane - if the airplane could be flown out, why land in the first place?
A gear up lagoon landing would provide the best chance for survival. Having the airplane in the lagoon would provide the best chance for rescue.
Heh heh - as an experienced combat pilot flying my A-1 under the same circumstances, I'd have bailed out before landing on the reef or lagoon. Now that's the best chance for survival. LOL