How to Increase Your Chances of Surviving a Plane Crash

Flying can be a nerve-wracking experience for some, despite the incredibly low odds of a plane crash. While the chances of being in a plane crash are slim, it's natural to wonder about survival strategies. This article explores the truth behind airline safety measures and provides insights into how to potentially increase your chances of survival in the unlikely event of a plane crash.

The Brace Position: Myth vs. Reality

There's a disturbing theory circulating that the brace position, the one we're all instructed to adopt during a crash, is actually designed to kill passengers or, at best, preserve their teeth for identification. The reasoning behind this claim is that airlines might find it cheaper to deal with wrongful death lawsuits than to compensate survivors with long-term injuries.

The Grim Calculation: It's alleged that a wrongful death lawsuit could cost an airline significantly less than the potential payouts for survivors requiring ongoing medical care and disability support.
Historical Precedent: The Ford Pinto case from the 1970s is often cited as an example of a corporation prioritizing financial gain over customer safety. The company chose not to address a known design flaw that led to numerous fatalities because the cost of a recall was higher than the projected lawsuit payouts.

While the theory is unsettling, it's crucial to examine the facts and the science behind the brace position.

The Science Behind the Brace Position

The brace position, as we know it today, was refined after the Kegworth Air Disaster in 1989. Investigations revealed that the previously recommended brace position may have contributed to injuries. The updated instructions, released by the FAA in 1994, aim to:

Minimize body movement during and after impact.
Reduce the risk of fractures and other injuries.

The current brace position involves:

Positioning your head and arms on the seat or bulkhead in front of you.
Placing your feet flat on the floor, slightly in front of the edge of your seat.

Evidence of Effectiveness

2012 Boeing 727 Crash Experiment: An unmanned plane was deliberately crashed with crash test dummies in different positions. The dummy in the brace position with a seatbelt fastened had the best chance of survival.
Miracle on the Hudson (2009): The 100% survival rate in this famous plane crash has been attributed, in part, to passengers adopting the brace position.
Flight Safety Foundation Example: In one crash, a sixteen-year-old was the only survivor because he woke up, saw the impending crash, and immediately adopted the brace position.

Statistics Don't Lie

A study of commercial aviation crashes in the U.S. between 1983 and 2000 revealed that:

Out of 53,487 people on board, 51,207 survived.
That's a 95% survival rate.

If the brace position was designed to kill, the survival rate would be significantly lower.

How to Properly Adopt the Brace Position

While specific instructions may vary slightly between airlines and safety organizations, remember these three basic principles:

Lean Forward: Get your torso as low as possible. In economy or coach, ensure your forearms and head are touching the seat in front of you. Secure your seatbelt to prevent your body from jackknifing forward or flailing around.
Protect Your Head: Place your hands behind your head (without interlocking fingers) and ensure your forearms protect the sides of your face. Stow loose luggage under the seat in front of you to prevent it from falling from overhead compartments.
Foot Placement: Keep your feet flat and firmly on the floor. This prevents your legs from jolting forward and crushing your shins or breaking your legs, which could inhibit your escape from the aircraft.

Where to Sit on the Plane

While manufacturers and aviation authorities claim all seats are equally safe, studies suggest otherwise:

One study found that 45% of plane crash survivors were seated at the front of the plane, and 56% survived over the wing.
However, records indicate that passengers at the rear of the plane have the highest likelihood of survival, with 69% walking away.

So, it seems that opting for a seat in the back might be a strategic choice.

Conclusion

While the thought of a plane crash is terrifying, understanding the facts and adopting the recommended safety measures, like the brace position, can significantly increase your chances of survival. Fly safe!