Safety Study - Air Carrier Overwater Emergency Equipment and Procedures

摘要

A review of air carrier water contact accidents between 1959 and 1984 shows that such accidents are typically inadvertent, with no preparation time, substantial aircraft damage, and a high chance of occupant injury. Often the cabin floods quickly, followed by sinking of the aircraft within minutes. Typically, these accidents do not occur on 'extended overwater flight' but close to an airport, during approach or departure. The Board recommended the FAA require both life preservers and flotation seat cushions on all air carrier flights, and asked for improvements in life preserver design, packaging, accessibility, and ease of donning. Other recommendations deal with emergency evacuation slides, liferafts, flotation devices for infants, crew post-crash survival training, and water rescue plans at airports near water.