The Final Thoughts of Passengers in Aircraft Emergencies

The moment a passenger realizes an aircraft is about to crash is undoubtedly both terrifying and life-defining. The mental state of passengers in such situations can vary widely, from complete panic to an almost serene calm. This article explores the final thoughts and actions that come to mind for passengers in these critical moments. If you find yourself in such a situation, understanding these thoughts and actions can help you respond more effectively.

Final Actions and Mental States

For the average passenger, the last thing that comes to mind upon realizing an imminent crash is not a sense of finality. In the immortal words of the ancient bard: Nothing is final until the Fat Lady sings. Rather, the first thought is often to survive. Thus, they will instinctively take the following actions:

Check their watch and look around. Remember as much as possible. Ensure the ability to provide witness accounts for investigations.

If you are a pilot, the mental shift is more about flying the plane. Whether you're at the controls, your last thoughts might revolve around flying the aircraft, even in the face of impossible challenges:

Best glide airspeed, altitude, best spot to land...

Preparation and Emergency Response

Quick and effective emergency response can significantly impact survival. Key actions passengers might take in these critical moments include:

Ensuring their shoes are on and well-tied. Making sure their jacket is secure. Knowing the brace position. Locating the nearest emergency exit. Deciding how to handle potentially panicking passengers. Planning for post-crash scenarios, like water landings or landings at airports.

These actions can contribute to a more positive outcome, especially if the crash is survivable. Some passengers might seek to enjoy one last moment by indulging in a few alcoholic beverages if time allows.

After the initial actions, the mental state can vary. Some people might:

Pray to their deity. Remember their relatives and loved ones. Create a list of unfulfilled or accomplished goals. Feel fear of death. Reflect on their life, good and bad. Seek apology or forgiveness.

Survivors' Accounts

The experiences of survivors provide insight into the range of mental states and actions taken during such emergencies. Reports from survivors of horrific crashes reveal two distinct perspectives:

Extreme terror, where clear thoughts are nearly impossible. Unexpected calm and acceptance, where clear thoughts can persist.

Examples like the Japan Airlines flight 123 in 1985, where several passengers wrote messages to loved ones in the final moments, showcase the latter perspective. These testimonials highlight the importance of staying calm and following crew instructions during any emergency.

Conclusion

While preparing for a crash is crucial, ensuring your mental and physical readiness can significantly enhance your chances of survival. If you find yourself in such a situation, take a few deep breaths, listen to instructions, and do your best to stay calm and prepared. If you do find yourself in a rare position to help with a survivable crash, remember to fly the plane and provide witness accounts for investigations.

Key Takeaways:

Survival instincts and preparatory actions. Variability in mental states (terror vs. calm). Importance of crew instructions in emergency situations.