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 result from occupants, restrained only by lap belts, colliding with the instrument panel and aircraft interior.
• Shoulder harnesses are critical safety devices, significantly reducing major injuries by 88% and fatalities by 20% by restraining the upper torso in a crash.
• The FAA actively encourages and has simplified the process for retrofitting older aircraft with shoulder harnesses, with various kits and approval methods (e.g., factory kits, STCs) readily available to enhance occupant safety.

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