Aviation Disasters -
When You Come Down

Thankfully, aviation disasters are relatively uncommon, but if you fly a lot you need to be prepared. Our focus here is not on the frequent flyer but the private pilot. Small commercial pilots would benefit from this information as well.

If you are involved in any kind of aviation disaster while traveling on an airliner you will probably be instructed on what to do. Regardless of specifics, remain calm, do as told, and do not create extra problems.

If you are a private pilot you are used to carrying some "tools" when you fly (to record your hours, check the fuel, etc.), but do you ever bring tools for survival? Most of us don't.

We know the agency who rented out the Cessna or Piper is required to do preventive maintenance. We do our preflight, check the weather, load our family and friends, and consider ourselves prepared. And we are, unless there's a flight emergency.

We recommend taking a small backpack, filled with certain essentials. The list below assumes that you are flying in the United States. If you're a missionary pilot, flying in the jungles of South America, you will want to adjust the list.

This is our recommendation:

• Collapsible Water Jug (to carry water if needed)
• Food – a few emergency energy bars
• Medication - just a couple days' worth
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight that does not require batteries (shake or crank style)
• Whistle
• Cell Phone with hand-crank charger
• Flares
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Signaling mirror
• Pocket knife or scissors
• Emergency blanket
• Toilet paper
• Moist Wipes (preferably anti-bacterial)
• Identification (also medical insurance cards and alert bracelets)

In addition, here is a list of things to check for in the event of an emergency landing:

• Pick your landing site quickly, set up for it, and don't change the location
• Send out a distress call
• Prepare your passengers for the crash
• Upon stopping, make sure you and your passengers are physically okay
• If the landing did not go well, check which way is up before unbuckling
• Check for fire danger
• Administer first aid as needed
• Check to see if your radio and transponder are working
• Make sure everyone is emotionally alright
• Stay with the airplane unless people or buildings are visible and within reasonable walking distance
• Keep your signaling mirror, whistle, and flares readily available
• If you need to build a shelter, do it earlier rather than later

A little preparation can improve your response to a flight emergency. Also keep in mind that poor weather and pilot error are often reported as the main causes of airplane disasters. The responsible pilot will protect everyone on board.

Download a free copy of our list! You will need Adobe Reader to open and read it. The reader is available for download here.

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