Surviving a Plane Crash: The Realities of Freefalling
The thought of surviving a plane crash is often the subject of countless survival scenarios, films, and survival guides. However, the possibility of surviving through freefalling, the sequence of events that can unfold after a catastrophic plane crash, is a complex and grim reality. While surviving such an event is extremely unlikely, understanding the factors that can influence survival can provide insight and perspective.
The Factors That Influence Survival
Surviving a plane crash and subsequent freefall is a situation that relies on multiple factors. These include the condition of the aircraft, the height from which you are ejected, the speed and direction of the fall, the surrounding environment, and the actions of the survivor themselves.
Ejection and Survival Trajectory
The first critical moment is the ejection from the aircraft. Most commercial and private aircraft include ejection seats or chutes designed to protect passengers in emergencies, but their effectiveness is severely limited. Passengers who are not equipped with these systems, or who are ejected from the aircraft, face a treacherous freefall.
The second factor is the height from which you are ejected. People ejected from high altitudes are more likely to survive than those ejected at lower altitudes. At lower heights, the impact with the Earth is much more severe, and any injuries sustained during the ejection process can compound the damage.
The Velocity and Trajectory of the Fall
The speed of the aircraft at the time of the crash also plays a crucial role. The faster the aircraft is travelling, the harder the impact for any surviving passengers. Freefalling from the aircraft at terminal velocity (approximately 120 to 200 mph) can be survivable under certain conditions. However, this velocity alone does not guarantee survival. The direction of the fall is another significant factor. Landing on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete is highly dangerous, while landing on softer surfaces like forest or water increases the chances of survival, if any.
The Surface and Protection
The surface onto which you land is a critical factor. Survivors ejected at lower altitudes are at higher risk of fatal injuries because the force of impact is greater. Soft surfaces like grass or snow, while still hazardous, can provide some cushioning. Trees and thick foliage can be surprisingly effective at slowing a fall to a halt or at least easing the landing impact. Failing any natural protective elements, the human body's survival mechanisms, like the crumpling of bones, impact on different areas of the body, and the angle of impact, can determine whether survival is possible.
The Initial Impact and Injury Assessment
Upon impacting the ground, the initial impact is the most severe. Survivors who land in water, trees, or soft terrain may have a better chance of survival than those who land on hard surfaces. However, even in these cases, injuries sustained during the fall, such as spinal damage from a head-first impact or broken bones, can be debilitating.
Comparing Freefall Survival to Other Falls
Compared to other freefalls, such as freefalling from your bed, the survival rates of a plane crash scenario drastically increase because of the slower terminal velocity and larger distance from the fall. While falling from a bed is certainly dangerous, the velocity is typically much lower, and the surface is usually more soft and absorbent. This makes it much more likely to survive the fall unharmed or with minor injuries, if any.
Injuries Common to Both Scenarios
In either scenario, injuries are common. The primary risks of landing within a plane crash include severe trauma, specifically to the head, neck, and chest. Additionally, the conditions that may lead to a plane crash or the impact itself can cause a wide range of injuries, from broken bones to spinal damage. In contrast, falling from your bed generally leads to injuries that are less severe, such as abrasions, minor bruises, or possible head injuries.
The Importance of Preparedness
Despite the numerous risks and challenges, preparedness and understanding the conditions that can lead to survival can provide a glimmer of hope. Being familiar with emergency procedures, knowing the location of safety equipment in the aircraft, and maintaining a calm and alert mindset during an emergency are crucial.
Conclusion
Surviving a plane crash during a freefall is an extremely unlikely scenario, but every bit of preparedness and awareness can increase the chances of survival. Understanding the factors that influence survival can help inform both individuals and organizations involved in air travel, promoting safer practices and preparedness measures.
In summary, survival in a plane crash freefall scenario is influenced by the ejection process, height of ejected, speed and direction of fall, surface upon landing, and consequence of initial impact. While survival can be achieved under certain circumstances, the likelihood is low, and the importance of preparedness and awareness cannot be overstated.
Key takeaways include:
The critical factors that influence survival in a plane crash The comparison between surviving a plane crash and falling from a bed The importance of preparedness and emergency procedures