How to Survive a Plane Crash

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Flight

Be more alert to danger during takeoff and landings, as this 11 minute range is when 80% of airline accidents occur. Always keep your shoes on and your seatbelt fastened. In addition to these basic steps, keep calm and maintain a heightened situational awareness: recall all the things from the pre-flight briefing and the location of emergency exits.

If there’s an incident, follow any instructions and make sure you have your bases covered; your oxygen supply, your seatbelt and a path to an exit. Most people suggest never removing your seatbelt on an aircraft until it has come to a complete halt after taxiing. Any unexpected turbulence or other disruption mid-flight could throw you out of your seat. In the event of a crash, brace your body in a proper manner. Either lean forward into your own lap and place your arms at your side or lay your head in crossed hands in front of you. Do not interlock fingers as any blunt force could break them over themselves. Some experts believe it is also advantageous to stretch your legs in front of your body, to reduce the chance of them breaking in a tucked position. Taking the right bracing position prevents extreme trauma to the body by reducing the chance of the torso being violently flung forward, pivoting about the seatbelt.

In the event of an air crash, there will most likely be fire. The greatest danger from the fire is the resulting smoke. An aircraft is filled with specially manufactured parts and lubricants meaning that the smoke from an aircraft fire is usually toxic. Crouch, as you would for all fire-survival situations but be aware that there is risk for trampling. If possible, use a water-soaked cloth to filter the air. Experts estimate that if fire and smoke are present in the cabin, there will be less than two minutes to escape, before heat and thick toxic smoke incapacitate passengers.

After the Fact

If you have survived the initial shock and chaos of an air crash, you still need to act quickly to survive. It is agreed that once you have exited the plane, take cover behind an object or swim far away from the wreckage; explosions can happen at anytime due to the volatile nature of jet fuel. Stay within visible distance in case of emergency rescue operations. If you have crashed in an area where exposure is an issue, seek shelter first, and then seek to make contact with search and rescue teams.

Surviving an air-crash is statistically very possible. Over 90 % of those involved in a crash survive, if you take a few seconds to go over aircraft specifications and familiarize yourself with their unique safety features you can help ensure you are part of the surviving lot. The number one aid to survival is staying calm and mentally sharp; don’t panic and you’ll stand a good chance of surviving.

 

 

 

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