Familiarizing yourself with airline safety procedures like fastening your seat belt, using oxygen masks, and knowing how to use the seat cushion as a flotation device is common for most passengers. However, what they often don’t prepare you for is how to handle being inside an aircraft that suddenly flips upside-down. This unexpected scenario became a critical reality for passengers on a Delta flight in a recent incident.
Experts pointed to factors such as expert engineering, the size of the aircraft, and the effectiveness of seat belts in safeguarding the passengers aboard a passenger jet that flipped over during a landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This incident is part of a series of notable crashes that have raised concerns about aviation safety.
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ900, and all 80 passengers were safely evacuated by Delta with reports of 18 injuries, mostly minor to moderate. While it is rare for an aircraft to flip upside down, they are designed to handle such situations, as explained by Mike McCormick, an associate professor and air traffic management program coordinator at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.
McCormick highlighted the design of the aircraft’s structural elements, which are meant to detach the wings and tail in case of a tip over, and the seats that are built to withstand significant forces to keep passengers secure. The swift evacuation by the cabin crew showcased their training and expertise in handling emergencies.
Despite recent high-profile crashes, McCormick emphasized that the current era is the safest in aviation history. Arnold Barnett, a prominent aviation safety expert and statistics professor at MIT, noted that the small size of the aircraft and the use of seat belts likely helped minimize injuries during the incident.
Najm Meshkati, an aviation safety expert at the University of Southern California, highlighted the potential fire risk in plane crashes on land and praised the flight crew for their role in ensuring a quick and orderly evacuation, which can be crucial in saving lives in such situations.
The CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, praised the prompt actions of the first responders at the airport. “They were quick to cover the aircraft with fire-resistant foam,” he commended. He further acknowledged the Toronto Airport’s reputation for effectively managing emergency situations. Notably, their preparedness was evident as emergency crews swiftly arrived on the scene following the crash.
In reflecting on the successful outcome of the accident, the CEO highlighted the significance of passengers being able to safely evacuate the plane without any fatalities. He also commended the cabin crew for their commendable efforts under challenging circumstances, assisting passengers in exiting through operable doors. The rigorous training undergone by crew members, including scenarios of flipped aircraft, was emphasized as crucial for such emergencies.
Touching on the aircraft design aspect, the CEO explained the thorough testing processes that ensure the planes are engineered to withstand various pressures and scenarios, ultimately prioritizing passenger safety. Expressing gratitude for the passengers’ well-being, he emphasized the fortunate absence of fatalities in the incident.
Considering the lessons for airline passengers from this incident, Mike Shertz, an emergency room physician and founder of Crisis Medicine, drew attention to the importance of fastening seatbelts securely while flying. He emphasized the potential risks of being unsecured during sudden stops and the necessity of being prepared for unexpected situations, such as finding oneself upside down inside an aircraft.
Drawing parallels between being in an overturned plane and a flipped car, Shertz highlighted the disorienting nature of such scenarios and advised passengers to consider their surroundings before unfastening seatbelts. He warned against the potential hazards of falling into debris and recommended cautious actions in ensuring personal safety during emergencies.
This detailed account, originally featured on USA TODAY, sheds light on the critical importance of preparedness, swift response, and passenger awareness in ensuring safety during aviation incidents.
