A Planned Crash

Published March 23, 2014 | By Susan W Bosscawen

A Planned Crash

You would probably never have this thought, but I, on the other hand, do. Most people would say, ‘Why even think about something like that? It’s too terrifying. Hopefully, it would never happen.’

But . . . I want to know how I’d respond. Because you just never know.

What would I do in a disaster? Would I be the nut case? Or would I be the helper?

I’ve not had any close calls with my work. A few passengers became ill— passing out, nausea, low sugar— that sort of thing. Those all ended well. In fact, statistically, there’s a greater chance of getting hurt on an escalator than on an American airliner. Yet, I’ve always wondered . . . how would I do? I’d like a tryout on something easy. A mini emergency.

My little airline would say how well we’ve been trained to professionally handle anything. And they do as good of a job training us as the next airline. But, really, if an engine dropped off— how would I react? What would any of us do?

Did you ever watch Airport? It was a disaster movie back in the 70s that was just as unrealistic and absurd as Denzel Washington’s recent movie, Flight. There’s bad weather, a bomb threat, a stowaway and all sorts of mayhem among the crew and passengers. Toward the end as they’re landing this crippled airplane against all odds of survival, a passenger goes bananas. A priest, sitting across the aisle from banana boat, finishes making the sign of the cross and swings his arm over slapping the guy back to sanity. Would someone have to slap me?

Thinking about it . . . I doubt it. But, I can see me slapping someone in a heartbeat.

So, where could one see a real disaster? Curiosities! On Discovery Channel. In the fall of 2012, they ran a short series about the curiosities of life. One of the segments filmed a real Boeing 727 crashing into the Mexican desert.

It’s an amazing event. No one was on board. A real airplane crashes into the Mexican desert. And it’s on film. From the inside of the cabin!

The scientists outfitted the airplane with sensors, cameras, and car crash dummies to determine what really happens to the plane and passengers during a crash. When a real crash happens, they can only arrive at the scene after the fact. Here, they’re able to monitor things before and during the crash.

And you know what they found out? Those rules flight attendants keep harping about? Turns out they work!

Flying debris, brace positions, and seating location were important issues. Not having your seat belt fastened tightly, articles not stowed that flew around the cabin, and not following the brace positions as instructed were major causes of injuries.

Those passengers seated in the rear had fewer injuries as well. In fact, in this crash, many of those seated in first class were toast, while those seated back in the bleachers probably walked away with few injuries.

So you learned something today! Sit in the rear and do what they say. It could save your life.