CRASHWORTHINESS

• Use shoulder harness in every seat

• Ideally, inertial reel, double, over-the-shoulder

• Wear shoulder harness

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Select Surface:– maximize distance available to slide/decelerate

after touchdown– go with rows of plowed field; don’t go across

rows– choose flat site over hilly one– concrete or asphalt is best surface (assuming

there is no wall shortly after touchdown)

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Minimize touchdown speed, but do not stall before touchdown (minimize vertical G load)

• Maximize deceleration (use brakes, cut-off mixture)

• Minimize side loads (airplane can absorb more energy, and restraint system designed for frontal impact)

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Gear Position?

• If landing surface allows, wheels extended is usually best configuration (gear absorbs energy in any impact, reducing energy absorbed by human body)

• If gear can lead to flip-over, keep gear up

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Open door prior to landing• Have restraint system tightened as much as

possible (no slack!)• Use available soft objects as padding in front

of pilot/passengers (pillow, coat, soft-sided carrying case, etc)

• Master switch off prior to touchdown• Fuel selector off

CRASHWORTHINESS

• Don’t wear nylon, polyester, or other synthetic clothing when flying (they melt and stick to skin)

• Wear wool or cotton or, optimally, nomex