The Myths of Ditching

If you fly much over the water - even over wide bays and rivers - youve had to quell the uneasiness that arises when the engine goes into auto rough mode the instant youre beyond gliding range of shore. Not to worry; its not just you.

The prospect of going into the water in an airplane terrifies most pilots, chiefly because few prepare for it and, in general, instructors dont know enough about the relevant risks to make well-informed judgments about overwater flying.

As a result, certain myths and half-truths about ditching seem to persist, handed down from one pilot to the next who read something or knows someone who knew someone who vanished without a trace in Lake Michigan...

Key Takeaways:

• Contrary to popular belief, intentional water landings (ditchings) are highly survivable, with a general aviation survival rate of 90% based on NTSB data, debunking many common fears.
• The data refutes several myths, including that high-wing aircraft are more dangerous, planes sink immediately, or open ocean ditchings are inherently unsurvivable.
• While many pilots survive ditchings without special gear, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and rafts are highly recommended as they significantly improve survival odds by preventing hypothermia and aiding rescue.
• Avoiding fuel exhaustion/mismanagement, using carburetor heat, filing flight plans, and choosing water over rough land for emergency landings are critical factors for maximizing survival.

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