Safety Considerations in a Plane Crash: Opening Doors vs. Staying Inside

When faced with a plane crash scenario close to the ocean, the idea of opening the doors and letting passengers jump into the water arises. However, multiple factors make this a dangerous and often impractical choice. We will delve into the challenges and risks involved in this scenario and discuss why staying inside the aircraft is generally the safer option.

Cabin Pressure and Decompression Risks

Commercial aircraft are pressurized at high altitudes, meaning that any sudden opening of the doors would lead to rapid decompression. This is an extremely hazardous condition, not only for passengers but for the crew as well. Decompression can lead to a variety of life-threatening conditions, including:

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) Decompression Sickness Sudden loss of consciousness or death

The risk of decompression is significant, especially when the plane is at a high altitude. Even at lower altitudes, the sudden change in pressure could result in serious health issues for everyone on board.

Airspeed and Wind Exposure

During a water landing, a plane is often traveling at high speeds. Opening the doors would expose the interior to strong winds, making it nearly impossible for anyone to safely exit the aircraft. The force of the wind combined with the speed would create hazardous conditions inside the cabin, potentially leading to:

Fvarying winds causing disorientation and confusion Structural damage to the aircraft Risk of structural failure or component ejection

These factors make it extremely challenging for passengers and crew to navigate the interior of the plane, let alone find a way to safely open the doors and exit the aircraft.

Water Landing Dynamics and Impact Risks

Water landings, especially during a crash scenario, are often steep and high-speed. Jumping from the plane into the water at that moment could result in serious injury or even death due to:

Impacts with the water or the aircraft itself Injury due to turbulence and shock forces Inhaling water and drowning

Additionally, the angle and speed at which the plane hits the water can cause a splash that could be particularly dangerous for anyone trying to eject.

Survivability in Water Landings

In most cases, the safest option is for passengers to brace for impact and follow emergency procedures as instructed by the crew. Staying inside the aircraft until it comes to a stop generally increases the chances of survival. Water landings can be extremely dangerous, with studies suggesting that the survival rate is relatively low. The best chance for survival in such situations is to remain inside the aircraft and evacuate through designated exits once the plane is stationary and the danger has passed.

A Comparative Analysis: Acapulco Cliff Divers vs. Plane Crash Scenario

Even jumping from a still cliff that is 24 meters (approximately 75 feet) above the water is not a feat that the average person could survive. The Acapulco Cliff Divers, who perform daily shows diving from heights of 30 to 41 meters (100 to 135 feet), face significant risks including:

Detached retinas Broken bones Ruptured eardrums

While their skill and training make this possible, regular individuals do not possess the same level of physical and mental fortitude to survive such a jump. Even for the Acapulco Cliff Divers, the risks are significant, with their performances being a testament to extreme physical ability rather than an everyday activity.

Given the choice between jumping into the water from a plane crash scenario and staying inside the aircraft, the safer and more practical option is to remain inside and follow emergency procedures. This approach maximizes the chances of survival and minimizes the risks associated with a water landing during a crash.