How to Survive a Plane Crash
Learn Ways to Increase Chances of Surviving Airplane Crashes!
Jan 17, 2009
On January 15, 2009, all the right things happened aboard U.S. Airways Flight 1549. For the first time in commercial aviation history, pilot Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III made a 100% successful emergency landing on water, and all 155 people aboard the flight survived when the flight landed in Hudson River.
But unfortunately, if a passenger is involved in a plane crash or if the commercial jetliner they're flying in requires an emergency landing, the chances are very good that he or she may die or suffer serious life-threatening injuries.
So what determines who lives and who dies in the event of a plane crash? The decisions an airline passenger makes before the flight and during the flight can mean the difference between life and death for that individual. Learn how to maximize the chances of surviving a plane crash and minimize the chances of suffering disfiguring or life-threatening injuries in the case of an emergency landing.
Increase Chances of Surviving a Plane Crash by Wearing the Right Clothes
The clothes a passenger wears can make a tremendous difference in the case of a plane crash, particularly when it comes to reducing the chances of suffering disfiguring injuries like burns.
When dressing for airline travel, it's best to wear natural fibers like cotton. Synthetic fibers are more sensitive to heat than cotton or other natural fibers and synthetic materials will melt when exposed to heat, and this can cause severe burns when the synthetic fibers melt onto the skin.
Shoes should also be made of leather; avoid synthetic fibers and rubber soles, as these too can melt when exposed to the heat created by a fire aboard the aircraft.
It's also advisable to dress in layers; this will provide extra warmth in the event that a plane crash survivor is exposed to the elements following the accident. Layers will insulate the body by trapping heat in between the layers of fabric, and dressing in layers has the added advantage of providing comfort during the flight. Many airplanes tend to be too hot or too cold and wearing multiple layers enables the passenger to dress up or dress down depending on the temperature.
Increase Chances of Surviving a Commercial Airliner Crash During the Flight
If possible, airline passengers should opt for seats close to an emergency exit row, providing they're able to operate the airplane's emergency door. In addition, the safest location to sit on an airplane is toward the rear of the cabin.
Sitting in the back portion of the airplane is the safest since during a crash or emergency landing, the plane will typically impact nose first. Sitting near the rear of the airplane is safer, as the entire forward portion of the aircraft will serve as a "buffer zone" by absorbing the force of an impact during a plane crash or emergency landing.
Sitting in an aisle seat has it's benefits and its disadvantages. Sitting in the aisle seat enables the passenger to exit the aircraft more quickly, but the passengers seated in the aisle seats are more apt to get struck by luggage or other debris that may fly around if an overhead bin pops open during the impact of a crash landing.
When boarding the aircraft, passengers should always count the number of seat rows between their assigned seat and the nearest emergency exits. If the airplane's cabin fills with smoke, visibility will be impeded, so a passenger may need to escape by feeling his or her way to the exit.
Survive a Plane Crash By Knowing What to Do in the Event of an Emergency and By Staying Alert
Reading the airplane safety pamphlet and observing the stewardess' safety demonstration is vital, as a passenger's chances of surviving a plane crash increase dramatically if they understand what to do in the event of an emergency.
In addition, when flying, it's best to avoid sleeping pills and other medications that could impede a passenger's ability to react in the event of an emergency. Passengers are more likely to medicate in the case of a long, overseas flight or if they're frightened of flying.
Using common sense - that's perhaps the single most important thing a passenger can to do increase his or her chances of surviving a plane crash. When evacuating, don't run or push. When booking a flight with children, parents should not opt to allow "lap babies" or "lap children" as this will endanger the parent's and child's life.
For more travel tips, check out How to Fly With Pets, along with Planning an Airplane Trip With a Pet and How to Plan a Ski Trip.
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