The AI188 accident of Air India, which took place on June 12, brought media attention to aviation security. Among the 242 people on board, only one passenger survived: 38 -year -old Ramesh Vishwash Kumar, British consultant, who was heading in the 11th seat along with an emergency exit. This detail, repeated in another previous accident, raises doubts about the eventual existence of a “miraculous seat”.
A place that generates curiosity
In 1998, Thai singer James Ruangsak Loychusak also survived a plane crash from the 11th seat. These coincidences feed theories, but experts reject the idea of a safer place by themselves.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of the Airadvisor platform, quoted by Sapo Viagens, says there is no “miraculous seat,” as it has been called to the 11th. Factors such as proximity to exits, access to the corridor and cabin structure may have an impact, but luck is still decisive in many cases.
Data that feed the discussion
Previous studies point to patterns. An article by the popular mechanics, based on data since 1971, concluded that passengers at the back of the plane have more survival hypotheses in some types of accidents. Already an analysis by Time magazine, with FAA data, indicated that the back seats behind record a survival rate of about 68%, compared to 61% or 62% in the front and central parts.
No absolute guarantees
Radchenko warns that these numbers represent average and not certainty. Each accident is unique and safety depends on multiple factors, refers to the same source. Modern aviation is designed to protect all passengers, regardless of their on board position.
There is no “golden seat,” as many may think that the 11th is. What makes a difference are practical actions and strict compliance with safety guidelines provided by the crew.
Preparation makes a difference
Knowing where emergency exits are essential. Counting the number of queues between the seat and the nearest exit can help with a smoke or low visibility. Reading the security card and listening to crew instructions remains one of the simplest and most effective measures within the reach of any passenger.
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What can increase security
Wearing comfortable clothes and closed shoes facilitates movements. Keeping the belt placed throughout the flight is critical as turbulences are the leading cause of onboard injuries.
Breakdown and landing are critical moments. According to the source mentioned above, avoiding distractions and listening carefully to the instructions can make a difference in case of emergency.
Behaviors to avoid
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption reduces the risk of disorientation. Hearding should be removed whenever there are security warnings as they contain relevant information even for those traveling frequently. The reaction time is vital. Acting quickly and keeping calm can be determining to get out of the aircraft safely.
In case of evacuation
Leaving all luggage behind is essential. In 2024, in the Japan Airlines accident in Tokyo, 379 passengers survived thanks to rapid and disciplined evacuation without collecting personal effects.
Trusting the crew, which receives specific training to deal with emergencies, is another measure that increases the probability of success in a critical situation, according to.
Safety remains high
Despite punctual incidents, commercial aviation remains one of the safest means of transport in the world. Severe accidents are rare and modern aircraft are subjected to demanding tests. The global aviation record has been improving year after year, with incident rates to go down thanks to technological evolution and security procedures implemented.
The rear of the plane is not structurally resistant, but tends to suffer less direct impact on frontal collisions, which may explain the statistical data.
In accident simulations, passengers evacuating in less than 90 seconds have more hypotheses of survival. This time window is at the base of the design of the safety standards in force.
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