Survival Tips for an Airplane Crash
While air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, knowing what to do in the unlikely event of a crash can significantly increase your chances of survival. Here are practical tips to help you prepare before your flight, act wisely during an emergency, and survive after a crash.
What to Do Before Your Flight
- Choose Larger Aircraft: If you have a choice, opt for the largest available plane. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), larger aircraft absorb more kinetic energy in a crash, increasing passenger survival rates.
- Select Safer Seats: While no seat is guaranteed to be safe, studies show that seats within five rows of an emergency exit offer better chances of escape. If those aren’t available, choose an aisle seat for easier access to exits.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear long sleeves and avoid shorts or skirts to protect your skin from burns. Choose clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, as synthetic materials ignite easily. Wear sturdy, flat shoes—avoid heels and flip-flops—to help you move quickly in an emergency.
On Board the Aircraft
- Read the Safety Instructions: Even if you fly often, review the safety card and locate the nearest exits. Plan your route to the exits, considering the possibility that your closest exit may be blocked.
- Be Alert During Critical Phases: About 80% of crashes occur during the first three minutes after takeoff and the last eight minutes before landing. Stay awake, avoid alcohol, and remain vigilant during these times.
- Always Fasten Your Seatbelt: Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you’re seated to protect yourself from unexpected turbulence or emergencies.
In an Emergency Situation
- Assume the Correct Brace Position: If there’s a seat in front of you, lean forward, grab the seatback, and press your head against it. If not, bend forward, place your head on your knees, and wrap your arms around your legs.
- Stay Calm: Try not to panic. Take initiative and act quickly, as flight attendants may also be affected by the situation. After a water landing, do not inflate your life vest until you have exited the aircraft, as an inflated vest can hinder your movement inside the cabin.
- Leave Your Belongings Behind: Do not waste time retrieving carry-on luggage. Every second counts, and trying to grab your bags can endanger both you and other passengers.
- Move Away from the Aircraft: After escaping, run at least 150 meters (about 500 feet) from the wreckage to avoid fire or explosions. However, don’t go so far that rescuers can’t find you.
If There’s a Fire Onboard
- Most fatalities in aircraft fires are due to smoke inhalation and toxic gases, not burns. The temperature can rise rapidly, from 122°F (50°C) at floor level to 482°F (250°C) near the ceiling.
- Before your flight, count the number of rows to the nearest emergency exit. In an emergency, smoke and panic can block your view, so knowing this number can help you find your way out by touch.
- Do not instinctively run to the door you entered; look for the nearest emergency exit instead.
- If your clothing catches fire, remove synthetic materials quickly, as they melt and cause severe burns. Natural fibers offer better protection.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth (water, juice, or milk) to protect your airways from smoke. Never open an exit if you see fire or smoke outside.
If the Plane Lands on Water
- Water landings are as dangerous as crash landings on land, as water can be as hard as concrete from high altitudes. If you survive the impact, evacuate with your life vest (located under your seat).
- Do not inflate your life vest inside the aircraft. Inflating it too early can trap you inside the sinking plane, as happened in a well-known Ethiopian Airlines crash.
- Once in the water, hypothermia is a major risk. Even at 75°F (24°C), safe survival time is only 7–9 hours; at 59°F (15°C), it’s half that.
- Contrary to popular belief, moving around in cold water increases heat loss. The best way to conserve heat is to assume the fetal position, tucking your knees and placing your hands under your armpits. If you’re with others, huddle together in a circle to share body heat, rotating the coldest person to the center.
- If you see land or a rescue craft, only swim toward it if you can reach it within 40 minutes. Swim in a snake-like pattern, holding onto a neighbor for increased speed.
- Once on a raft or safe surface, remove wet clothing, wring it out, and put it back on if you have nothing dry. Keep your feet as warm as possible using any available materials.
If the Crash Occurs on Land
- Stay near the wreckage, as rescuers will search the crash site first. Do not wander off, especially at night or alone.
- Build a fire for warmth and as a signal for rescuers. During the day, add materials that produce black smoke (like rubber) to make the fire more visible. At night, a bright flame (magnesium, if available) can help rescuers spot you.
- To survive until rescue, ration food and water. A person can survive for about four weeks on a chocolate bar per day. Fresh water can be obtained by squeezing it from freshly caught fish. Avoid eating unknown berries, mushrooms, or roots, as they may be poisonous and can worsen hunger. Stick to a regular eating schedule if possible, and use anything edible you can find, such as fish, eggs, or wild seeds.
Additional Facts You Should Know
- Before takeoff, flight attendants identify “designated” passengers—crew family, uniformed personnel, or physically strong individuals with leadership qualities. In emergencies, the crew relies on these people to help organize survivors.
- Statistically, passengers seated in the rear of the plane have higher survival rates in successful crash landings or water landings. However, this advantage disappears in high-altitude crashes.
Sources: