New pictures verify the wreckage found was in fact the tail/rudder assembly. Note the European Union emblem on the file photo of the Air France 330 and the wreckage.

There are two things to note: first the tail appears to have failed at the attach points. Second, it obviously did not impact the water at high speed. Contrast the two photos of wreckage.

It is apparent that the tail separated at altitude and then fell to the ocean. Once that happened there was nothing the crew could do.