Following the news of lone survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh of the recent Air India Flight AI 171 plane disaster, reports about actor-singer Ruangsak Loychusak, a survivor of the 1998 Thai Airways crash started doing the rounds — with one thing common: they were seated in the same seat number: 11A. The Air India crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claimed 241 lives. Vishwash, who was thrown from the aircraft while seated next to the emergency exit, has shared in multiple interviews that he miraculously survived and walked away from the wreckage. So, was it a coincidence or is 11A the ‘safest’ seat on a ? Since speculations have been rife, we decided to reach out to an expert to understand whether this claim has any truth.
Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, said that the notion of a single “safest seat” on a passenger aircraft, viz. 11A is more myth than fact. “While certain seat numbers may coincidentally match those of survivors in some crashes, there is no conclusive evidence to support the idea that any particular seat or row is inherently safer than others,” said Vandekar.
According to him, passengers’ safety is influenced by a complex array of factors, including the type of impact, fire and smoke, availability of evacuation routes, structural integrity at the point of collision, terrain or place of crash like sea, land, or mountains, and the response of passengers, crew, and first responders. “These variables can interact in unpredictable ways, making it impossible to pinpoint a single seat as the safest,” said Vandekar.
Furthermore, seating layouts differ significantly between aircraft types, making comparing seat positions across . “Even if some seat numbers may be common, their travel class and position on the aircraft can vary greatly depending on the aircraft type,” said Vandekar.
The expert advised that rather than focusing on a specific seat number, passengers can take proactive steps to enhance their safety during a flight. “Ensuring situational awareness, paying attention to safety instructions and demonstrations, and being familiar with emergency procedures will make a significant difference in an emergency,” Vandekar noted.
He also stated that passengers can take practical steps during a flight, such as , knowing how to operate seatbelts and life vests easily, and responding quickly and calmly in an emergency. “Additionally, wearing sensible clothing and shoes and avoiding synthetic fibers can aid mobility during an evacuation,” said Vandekar.
Ultimately, it is essential to understand that safety is a collective responsibility that requires passengers’ and crew’s attention and cooperation. “By prioritising safety awareness and preparedness, passengers can maximise their chances of survival in the unlikely event of an ,” said Vandekar.
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