A plane crash is one of the most terrifying things a human can experience. It’s no surprise that the idea of the metal tube that houses the flesh sac you call a body ripping up midair in a flurry of fire and smoke is not a comforting thought. Oftentimes, it feels like surviving such a horrific event can only be determined by the roll of the cosmic dice. However, even if accidents like this seem out of your control, there are still some measures and actions you can take in the event of a plane crash. So fasten your seatbelt, sit back, relax, and prepare for takeoff.
Let’s rewind a bit. It was a foggy morning on March 27, 1977, in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. Floy Heck was on a taxiing Pan Am 747 with her husband and some friends. All of a sudden, she sighted a KLM jumbo jet barreling towards her at takeoff speed. The enormous plane sheared the roof off of the Pan Am jet, killing everyone inside. As her plane lay wrecked on the ground, her husband, Paul, jumped into action, quickly leading her toward the exits while she was still in a daze. As she left the crash, she saw numerous people, including her friend, simply sitting in their seats in a daze. They would later die in the fire that soon engulfed the plane, making up the 583 total deaths in what is currently the deadliest plane crash in history.
People in general don’t think that a disaster can occur in their lifetimes. In fact, most don’t. However, when and if an accident does transpire, most, like those in the Tenerife crash, don’t fall into the typical categories of efficient vs. hysterical. Instead, a shocking 70% remain “stunned and bewildered,” a result of a phenomenon known as the “Normalcy Bias.” Our brains are hardwired to find experiencing a disaster impossible, so if something of that sort actually occurs, the nervous system fails to process it. This results in completely preventable deaths from shock, such as that of Floy Heck’s friend.
In order to prevent the Normalcy Bias from taking hold, you must develop an action plan in case of an accident and be able to distinguish the normal from the abnormal. Familiarize yourself with exit routes, how to open airplane doors, proper procedure upon a crash landing, etc. Don’t wait for a flight attendant to shepherd you to the exits. Investigators discovered that on the Pan Am flight, passengers had a minimum of a minute to escape before the flames took hold, and most airplanes are designed to be evacuated in 90 seconds. Leave immediately in the event of an accident and disregard your belongings. Unlike them, your life is priceless.
It may also sound preposterous that the position of your body may determine the odds of you surviving a plane crash. You’re not going to make it anyway, right? Still, the brace position increases your chances of survival in many aspects and situations. To assume this position, make sure to fasten your seatbelt, place your feet on the ground, bend forward, rest your head on the seat in front of you, and use your hands and arms to cover the back of your head.
One of the most notable benefits of the brace position is its ability to minimize impact forces, reducing the risk of impact-related injuries. By leaning forward, you decrease the force exerted on your body during the crash as you decrease air resistance. Additionally, lacing your feet flat on the ground will provide you with more support and balance. Moreover, by covering the back of your head with your hands, you provide it with protection against flying objects and debris. This simple action serves as a barrier, shielding your head from potential harm. It may also prevent the occurrence of a painful “whiplash”, a neck injury caused by the abrupt forward and backward movement of your neck, commonly occurring on roller coasters.
There are a few examples of the brace position saving lives. For instance, on LaMia Flight 2933, Erwin Tumiri, one of the 6 survivors, believed that the brace position saved his life. This was the aviation accident that killed the Brazilian football team Chapecoense as it impacted the ground in Colombia in 2016. He told his local reporters that while several passengers frantically stood up and panicked on the plane, he placed his bag between his legs and went into the brace position. His choice to assume the brace position ultimately ended up saving his life, despite the severity of the crash.
Overall, hope is not lost. Much like your love life, you might still be able to retain some semblance of control over the situation if you are at the right place at the right time. Just like navigating a relationship, you must in addition remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, bracing yourself for disaster. Lastly, just like you possessing charisma, plane crashes are extremely rare. So please, remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisles clear in preparation for landing.