A recent simulation has shown exactly how to survive a plane crash, highlighting six important steps you can take if you ever face a disaster at 35,000 feet. Last month’s Air India crash tragically killed 241 onboard and 19 on the ground, leaving only one survivor—British passenger Vishwashkumar Ramesh in seat 11A.
Despite many accidents this year, the odds of being in a crash remain very low—about one in 11 million, according to the YouTube channel “How To Survive,” which analyzed crash data.
The first step is to dress for safety. Avoid flip-flops or heels and wear long pants, long sleeves, and lace-up shoes to protect against fire and sharp debris. The National Transportation Safety Board reports that most deaths result from fires after crashes.
Seat choice matters too. Although some survivors sat in seat 11A, studies show seats toward the rear of the plane generally offer better survival chances, unless the plane crashes tail-first.
Stay alert during takeoff and landing—the most accident-prone times. Keep your seatbelt fastened, shoes on, tray table up, and listen carefully to safety instructions, even if you’re a frequent flyer.
Stay calm. The first 90 seconds after learning about a crash are critical. Panic can cause people to forget simple survival actions like unbuckling. Prepare for impact by bending over, holding your knees, and lowering your head.
If oxygen masks drop, put yours on immediately—you have about 10 seconds before losing consciousness. Only then help others.
Never try to grab your luggage during evacuation. Leave quickly and move at least 150 meters away from the plane, preferably upwind, to avoid explosions. Then wait for rescuers.
Following these six steps can make a life-saving difference in a plane crash.
