In a crash landing, where is the safest place to sit in an airplane? Forward or aft?

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curious me

There is no solid evidence to point to any specific area of the plane that is safer than the other. Some believe that it is safer to sit near the wings. Some safety experts conclude that sitting at the rear of the airplane provides a higher survival rate in the event of a crash. This is one of the reasons why the black boxes are always installed at the tail portion of the airplane. However, I would say that the safest seat during an emergency landing is probably one near the aisle and emergency exits. That way you are near the exits and can get out of the plane faster.

John S

on the ground...jk. somewhere in the middle between the central area and the forward area. there, you will not be killed when the front of the plane smashes into the ground, and if you are thrown into the front of the plane by the impact, you don't have very far to land.

enggkid

no where...

Rose

It depends on which part of the aircraft hits something solid first !And whether there's a fire or not in the case of a survivable accident (in which case an aisle or exit seat is a distinct advantage).

In very general terms - overwing seats are best because the sub-frame is strongest here, and (suprisingly) the midddle seat in a group of three since it derives some support from the two either side. But who really wants the middle seat for nine hours! 8-)

Spike Spiegel

I think it depends on how the plane comes down but its probably aft.

Mojo Jojo

With an airplane the front and back are equally as dangerous. Yes, the front of plain will hit first, but a fireball will blast from the wings down the corridor to the back of the plane. Anyone that answered aft away from the engine.... Don't forget the engin is on the wings

Mom

Aft ,away from the engine etc.

ErasmusBDragen

depends on the crash. some crashes aren't survivable, some like the DC-10 that had an uncontained engine failure and complete hydraulic loss and crashed in Sioux City, the survivors were seated in different areas.

hysteria777

in the middle right between the wings. I saw it on some news report a long time ago.

miknave

In the back facing backward, British did a study a few years back and I thought it was ironic that 1st class is more likely to die.

boter_99

In a seat on the wing.

Structurally you are more encapsulated, and you are closer to the emergency exits.

Peace2All

I've heard near the wings. But some times they roll or break in half so, you can't be too sure.

tonalc1

Most people who've walked away from a crash were in the rear or over wings (where the aircraft is strongest).

However, each situation is different. Like they said above, the safest seat is in the terminal.

babypig4gb

I dont think it matters. When its your time its your time. I try not to think about it when I fly. I just hope that if it happens to me that its quick and I dont have much time to think about it.
I know its quirky but I say a prayer at take off and when I land safely I say a quick prayer of thanks.

Tdogle

in the airport

tiffanylsu

Away from the engine and close to an exit

Cavalia

You'll probably die either way, so it doesn't matter.

tikuiaku

Aft, by an emergency exit and away from an engine.

spudric13

By the wing, preferably in the lavatory or in your seat with the belt on in the middle of the aircraft. Think about pictures of plane crashes and what part of the plane is left. The tail is almost always gone and nose is often smashed. How often to the pilots survive? How about those in First Class?

on the black box cause thats the first thing they look for

hood edna

in the lavatory

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