Suppose you are on an airplane, and the unthinkable occurs—the plane is plummeting toward the open sea. Although such situations are highly unlikely, having a plan of action can greatly improve your survival chances. Remaining inside the aircraft and not pushing others off until the plane hits the water is the key to survival until more instructions. This guide offers vital steps to prepare you for and survive a plane crash in water.
Preparation is the Key Before the Flight
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, being prepared can make a difference in an emergency.
- Seat Selection: Research indicates that seats near the back of the plane might have a greater likelihood of survival during crashes. An aisle seat is more likely to have faster access during evacuations.
- Dress Appropriately: Opt for long sleeves and pants made of natural fibers. These materials offer better protection against potential burns compared to synthetic fabrics.
- Pay Attention to Safety Briefings: Familiarize yourself with the aircraft’s safety features, including the locations of exits and life vests. Counting the rows between your seat and the nearest exit can be invaluable in low-visibility situations.
During the Flight: Stay Alert
In the remote chance of an emergency, remaining calm and obeying crew orders is most important.
- Buckle Your Seatbelt: Keep your seatbelt buckled low and snug over your lap for the entire duration of the flight.
- Obey Crew Instructions: The flight attendants are prepared for emergencies. Pay attention and obey them immediately.
Imminent Water Landing: Prepare for Impact
If a water landing is unavoidable:
- Wear Your Life Vest: Find your life vest, which is typically under your seat, and fasten it around your waist without inflating it. Inflating within the plane can delay evacuation and pin you against the cabin roof in case of water flooding in. Inflate the vest only when you have already exited the plane.
- Assume the Brace Position: Sit with your feet flat on the floor, cross your wrists, and hold the seatback in front of you, resting your head on your wrists. This position reduces injury on impact.
Post-Crash: Ensure Swift and Calm Evacuation
Your actions immediately after impact are critical.
- Evacuate Immediately: Unbuckle your seatbelt and move quickly to the nearest exit. Leave personal belongings behind to avoid hindering the evacuation process.
- Inflate Your Life Vests Outside of the Aircraft: Once outside of the plane, inflate your life vest by pulling on the inflation cords or blowing through the tubes if needed.
- Keep a Safe Distance from the Aircraft: Swim clear of hazards like fire or submerged wreckage.
Survival at Sea: Waiting to be Rescued
Upon evacuation:
- Stay Afloat: Use your life jacket to stay afloat. If there is debris nearby, use it to buoy yourself up and save energy.
- Signal for Help: Utilize any signaling devices that are available, like whistles or mirrors, to get noticed.
- Save Energy and Body Heat: Use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) by pulling your knees up towards your chest and holding your arms around them to help minimize heat loss.
Critical Steps to Survive a Plane Crash in the Ocean
Phase | Action |
Prior to Flight | Select rear, aisle seats – Dress in natural fiber clothing – Listen carefully to safety briefings. |
During the Flight | Keep seatbelt fastened- Stay alert and follow crew instructions. |
Immediate Landing | Wear a life vest (do not inflate) – Adopt a brace position. |
Post-Crash | Evacuate promptly – Inflate life vest outside- Move away from aircraft. |
In Open Water | Stay afloat – Signal for help – Conserve energy and body heat. |
Conclusion
While the possibility of a plane crashing into the sea is frightening, being aware and ready can dramatically improve your survival chances. Always remember, that keeping cool, sticking to protocols, and moving fast are your greatest friends in these circumstances. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your chances of surviving a ditching remain approximately 90%. The key factor isn’t the pilot’s skill, the speed of the plane’s descent, or whether the landing gear is retracted. What truly matters to you is the temperature of the water. If the water temperature is 60 degrees, you can endure for approximately seven hours.
Keep low and adhere to the trails. Exit the aircraft and find a surface or an object to grip onto. Determine any flotation devices the aircraft utilized. The emergency slides can additionally serve as a lifeboat. Additionally, check if you can spot any beacons or other devices that may help you attract attention.
The primary worry in the event of a crash over the open ocean is, naturally, surviving the actual plane crash. And the chances of survival are unexpectedly high. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over 95 percent of passengers in an airplane crash survive.