Improve Your Chances of Surviving in Aviation Accident

Aircraft accidents can be devastating and have a far-reaching impact. The Colorado aircraft accident attorneys at Mintz Law Firm LLC understand the unique challenges in aircraft accident cases. Our aviation injury attorneys have a thorough understanding of the law as it relates to personal injury and product liability as it related to the aviation industry.

Studies show that a person who thinks and acts quickly during a plane crash has a better chance of survival compared to people who are panicky and lack knowledge in plane crash survival tips.

These are some survival tips according to air safety expert and FFA investigator Mac Lean:

1. Passengers should know the location of each emergency exit. Count the rows between the seat and the nearest emergency exit so in case that the cabin is filled with smoke, passengers can find their way out.
2. Always read the safety procedure and emergency plans which are posted from the back of each seat.
3. Know the proper position when there is an emergency landing. Passengers should sit in a brace position (head down and hug knees).

This sitting position will give passengers the greatest chance to survive in a plane crash since it prevents them from hitting the seat in front and protects them from whiplash injury (dislocation of neck discs).

Stay low when the cabin is filled with smoke and crawl immediately toward the exit. Get away from the crash site as soon as possible. Wear long-sleeves and pants that will provide better insulation in case of a fire. Closed shoes are also better than flip-flops and sandals to protect the feet from sharp debris, metals, and broken glasses.

Plane Crash Statistics

• Nine-teen out of 20 passengers survive in plane crash.
• Nearly half of the plane crash incidents are caused by pilot error.
• Common causes of air crash (in respective order): mechanical failure, weather, and sabotage.
• Other causes of air disaster: air traffic control error, bird strike, cabin fire, flaws in aircraft design, explosive devices, fuel starvation, high-jacking, lightning, pilot shot by passengers, pilot incapacitation.
• From 1983 to 2000, almost 96 percent of passengers involving US plane crashes have survived.
• Passengers of the top 25 airlines with the best records have 1 in 13.57 million chance of being killed in a plane crash.
• Passengers of airlines in the bottom 25 with the worst records have 1 in 1.13 million chance of dying from a plane accident.
• In 1990s, the survival rate of passengers of an aircraft carrying 10 or more people is 35 percent compared to 24 percent in 2000s.
• In most extreme cases of plane accidents, more than half of crew and passengers have survived.
• Most passengers survived the crash but were not able to get out of the plane quickly enough.
• After a plane crash accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires flight crews to evacuate all passengers in 90 seconds.
• According to experts, the first minute and a half after the accident is the most crucial period.
• After the plane crashes, fire often follows. According to a study, most passengers will not die from a burn injury but from inhalation of toxic fumes.
• People who sit near the tail of a plane are 40 percent more likely to survive compared to those passengers sitting in the first few rows near the cockpit.

If you were injured in an aircraft accident, it’s important to protect your interests with an experienced aviation injury attorney. An aviation injury attorney assists you in fighting for rightful compensation for your injuries, covering medical bills and more.