Preparing To Ditch

All kinds of advice is available from the FAA, manufacturers and other sources on how to ditch an airplane. In fact, the how is fairly easy—it can be summed up as “land in the water.” The checklist excerpt at right, for a Cessna Model 208B Grand Caravan, discusses the major items. (We added the highlighting noting Cessna hasn’t test-ditched a Caravan.)

Editorial Staff

Friday, October 31, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

While the act of ditching an airplane is conceptually simple, crucial preparation is key to survival.
Passengers should remove and secure all loose items, including eyeglasses and headsets, to prevent them from becoming projectiles or entanglement hazards during impact and egress.
It is often advised to open aircraft doors prior to splashdown to prevent them from jamming due to airframe damage or water pressure, ensuring a clear exit path.
Post-impact, individuals should remain calm, stay securely seated until the aircraft comes to a complete stop, establish a physical reference point, and then unstrap and exit.

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Preparation can be critical, however. Here are some additional tips, focused on passengers, adapted from the U.S. Department of the Interior (yes!) and its Office of Aircraft Services (DOI/OAS):