The Back of the Plane: Is It Really the Safer Seat?
In the wake of recent airplane accidents in South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Washington, a recurring question has emerged for those planning to fly soon: is it safer to sit at the back of the aircraft? Data and aviation safety experts offer responses that challenge popular beliefs. In the case of Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243, all 29 survivors were seated at the rear of the plane, which split in two, leaving the back section nearly intact. Similarly, in the Jeju Air flight 2216 accident, the only survivors were two flight attendants located at the tail of the aircraft.
A 2015 analysis by TIME, which examined accidents in the US between 1985 and 2000, revealed that seats in the back third had a mortality rate of 32%, compared to 38% in the front third and 39% in the middle. Even better were middle seats in that back third, with a mortality rate of 28%, while aisle seats in the middle third had the highest mortality rate at 44%.
But just how important is the seat we choose? Some experts dispute the idea that survival chances correlate with seating position. "There is no data to demonstrate a correlation between seat location and survival capability. Every accident is different," explains Hassan Shahidi, president of the Flight Safety Foundation. Cheng-Lung Wu, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales Aviation School in Sydney, supports this by asserting that there is practically no difference in seating positions during a fatal accident.
Ed Galea, a professor of fire safety engineering at Greenwich University in London, adds that there is no magic seat that guarantees safety as it largely depends on the nature of the accident itself. "Sometimes it's better to be up front; sometimes in the back," he explains, emphasizing the importance of understanding that each incident is unique.
However, Galea's research suggests that the probability of survival increases if you are seated within five rows of an emergency exit. Additionally, aisle seats offer an advantage over middle or window seats due to easier evacuation during an emergency.
Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize that every second counts in an aviation accident—each moment can determine the difference between life and death. Galea adds that proximity to an exit row is more significant than the seating area in the aircraft.
Preparation and Awareness
Beyond choosing the right seats, Galea highlights other factors to improve survival chances in an airplane accident. One key aspect is the mindset; don't completely relax once you're on the plane. "Luck favors the prepared mind. If you are aware of what to do to boost your chances, you'll enhance your survival potential," he emphasizes.
To this end, experts provide the following advice: 1. Listen to the crew's instructions before takeoff, especially regarding how to unbuckle your seatbelt. Believe it or not, one of the challenges people face during an accident is unbuckling their seatbelt. 2. Identify the nearest emergency exit and count the rows to it. If you are seated next to an exit, pay attention to how to open it; it can be heavy and may fall on you. 3. Keep your shoes on during takeoff and landing. 4. Consider traveling with people you are with, even if it incurs an additional cost.
In conclusion, navigating the turbulence of air travel requires not just a preference for seating but a mindset geared towards preparedness and awareness. Understanding both the data and the subjective nature of aviation safety can help you make informed decisions as you buckle up and ascend into the skies.
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