While none of us plan to crash our airplanes, stuff happens. The NTSBs database is replete with accident reports involving events like engine failures and ensuing off-airport landings where the engine started and ran fine after the investigators arrived. In many of them, plenty of fuel was aboard and carburetor ice was ruled out. Most of those reports go on to state the engine failed for unknown reasons. 288
Retrofitting Restraint
While none of us plan to crash our airplanes, stuff happens. The NTSBs database is replete with accident reports involving events like engine failures and ensuing off-airport landings where the engine started and ran fine after the investigators arrived. In many of them, plenty of fuel was aboard and carburetor ice was ruled out. Most of those reports go on to state the engine failed for unknown reasons. We cant choose when well have to set one down but-by avoiding hostile terrain like mountains and oceans, or flying only in daytime VFR-we can choose many of the conditions well experience. We also have the ability to maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Key Takeaways:
- Many general aviation accidents are survivable, but fatalities and serious injuries often occur when occupants strike the cockpit interior due to insufficient restraint.
- Shoulder harnesses are crucial safety devices, proven to significantly reduce major injuries (88%) and fatalities (20%) by preventing occupants from impacting the instrument panel and other structures.
- The FAA encourages and has simplified the process for retrofitting older aircraft with shoulder harnesses, making it easier for owners to install factory or aftermarket kits with routine approval.
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