Some people avoid flying entirely for fear that the plane will crash and they will not survive. However, data compiled on U.S. plane crashes between 1987 and 2000 showed that over 95% of passengers traveling on the 568 planes that crashed survived the accidents. Mahalo's guide on how to survive a plane crash will introduce you to several things you can do, both before and after a plane crash that will improve your chances of survival.

Some people avoid flying entirely for fear that the plane will crash and they will not survive. However, data compiled on U.S. plane crashes between 1987 and 2000 showed that over 95% of passengers traveling on the 568 planes that crashed survived the accidents. Mahalo's guide on how to survive a plane crash will introduce you to several things you can do, both before and after a plane crash that will improve your chances of survival.

• There's no doubt that being on a plane crash is terrifying. However, advances in flight and plane technology have contributed to a continued decrease in the number of plane crashes and an increased chance of survival for those aboard flights that crash. As is the case with any other disaster, being prepared and knowing what to do if your plane does crash can greatly improve your chance of survival.

(Creative Commons photo by USACE Public Affairs)

• There are steps you can take to increase your chances of surviving a plane crash even before you board the plane, including:

1. Wear appropriate clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that exposes your skin, such as shorts, tank tops and sandals. Having your body covered can reduce the chances that you will be injured by crash debris such as glass and falling luggage
2. Choose your seat: Although most flight companies say that there is no "safest seat" on a plane since each plane crash is unique, a study performed by Popular Mechanics showed that approximately 40% of plane crash survivors were sitting near the rear of the plane
3. If you are traveling with your family, make plans with your spouse regarding who will be responsible for assisting your child or children

• After you board the plane, observe and make mental note of the plane's safety features and know how to use them.

1. Make note of the exit nearest to your seat—count how many rows in front or behind you it is. That way, if the emergency lighting fails, you can still find your way to the exit by counting your way along the rows
2. Read the safety card in your seat-front pocket: Make note of where your life preserver and oxygen mask are located and how to open the emergency doors
3. Watch the safety demonstration: Before or during takeoff, flight attendants will provide you with a safety demonstration and instructions on what to do if the plane crashes. Make note of these instructions and follow them precisely in the event of an accident
4. Avoid consuming alcohol—it can slow down your response time and make you more likely to forget the important safety instructions you have learned
5. Fasten your seat belt and keep it fastened during the flight

• If your plane is going down, there is nothing you can do to stop it from happening. Although you will be scared, try your hardest to remain calm and remember the safety information you learned.

• Brace for impact:

1. If you are sitting at the front on the plane, place your head on your knees and wrap your arms around your knees
2. If there is a seat in front of you, cross your hands and place them on the back of the seat in front of you. Place your head on your hands.
3. In both cases, tuck your feet as far back as you can under your seat. Resist the temptation to look around and keep your face covered to reduce the chance of facial and eye injuries

• Try your hardest to remain calm and remember your safety instructions. React quickly, but don't panic.

1. Leave your luggage. Trying to find and bring your carry-on baggage with you will only slow you down. Whatever is in your bag is not as important as your life
2. If the plane has crashed in water, put on your life preserver, but do not inflate it until you have exited the plane
3. Look for a member of the crew: If one of the flight attendants is nearby, follow their lead and instructions
4. If there is a fire or you can see smoke, stay low. Even if you can't see flames and do not feel as though you are in danger of getting burned, the air may contain toxic fumes
5. Make your way to the nearest safety exit
6. Once you have exited the plane, get as far away from it as possible in case it explodes. If you can, take cover behind a large object

• The most important thing to do if you are involved in a plane crash is to remain calm. Try not to panic, follow the safety instructions and get out of the plane as quickly as you can. Being prepared and knowing what to do if your plane does crash will greatly increase your chances of surviving an accident.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Before the Crash
  • Before You Board
  • After You Board
• Step 2: During and After the Crash
  • During the Crash
  • After the Crash
• Conclusion