Is sitting at the back of a plane safer?

macquarie

I always try to sit in the back rows of the plane but was just looking at the pictures of the cork crash and it would appear the survivors were all in the back of the plane , the front is unrecognisable - is this theory unsubstantiated or there anything to it?

David086

I heard that sitting in the front row is the best, there was a show on t.v a couple of years ago dedicated to the whole thing I forget the name of it now.

Discodog

You often see intact tail sections. I always thought that the safest place was supposed to be over the main wing spar & by an exit. If you survive a crash then the critical thing is to be able to exit asap.

Sterling Archer

A quick google brings up these images

Skuxx

macquarie wrote: »

I always try to sit in the back rows of the plane but was just looking at the pictures of the cork crash and it would appear the survivors were all in the back of the plane , the front is unrecognisable - is this theory unsubstantiated or there anything to it?

Theoritically(sp?) yes, the back of the plane should be the safest as it will be the last to hit, I've never seen a plane fly backwards into a mountain!
Its also the place where the flight data recorders (black box) is kept which shows they give that area the most chance of being intact in order to find the boxes. However if shes going to hit, its really down to luck in my opinion if your going to survive or not, where you sit will have little bearing on it!!

Discodog wrote: »

You often see intact tail sections. I always thought that the safest place was supposed to be over the main wing spar & by an exit. If you survive a crash then the critical thing is to be able to exit asap.

Yeah your next to the exits alright, I always try to sit here to because its over the centre fuel tanks so if she crashes and its your turn to go, its going to be a mighty quick end! And if you survive its next to the exit!

Skuxx

Shane_ef wrote: »

A quick google brings up these images

Both these images are complete opposites, one gives front seat passengers the highest survival rate, the other the lowest, while one gives rear seat passengers the highest survival rate while the other gives them the lowest chance!!

Sterling Archer

Thats why i picked those two, but there not completely opposite, the rear is the safest in both images, and over the wing is moderate in both, interesting

slimjimmc

Shane_ef wrote: »

Thats why i picked those two, but there not completely opposite, the rear is the safest in both images, and over the wing is moderate in both, interesting

So, what that last one shows is that how close you sit near an exit is more important than which end of the plane you're in.

amen

it all depends on the type of plane, how it crashed, where it crashed, speed, weather etc

Also depends on what type of crash. There are loads of crashes each year in the USA form which most people walk away unharmed (Check the FAA database ).

The main problem with modern planes is that most failures are new and unexpected (most known accident issues resolved)and thus catastrophic such as the AF over the Atlantic, the AA on take off from New York which can results in major deaths.

The best way to survive is to be alert (don't drink on the flight), read the safety instructions and have a plan on how to get out of the plane in case of an incident.

A smoke hood would also help.

Sterling Archer

SO really by combining the two, the average safest place is towards to rear of the aircraft,

plus on long flights you get served quicker

tu2j2

In my opinion there isn't one. Far far too many variables to be certain. Over the centre wing box is the strongest part of the plane but also a big fuel tank. Best thing to do is just get the emergancy exit seats, more leg room and your first out.

To be honest its really not worth worrying about.

Stinicker

Well I never heard of a plane reversing into a mountain. I personally dislike sitting at the rear of a plane as any turbulence is magnified several times back there. Over the wings is steady but you have the greater engine noise and may have your window seat view blocked by the wings, plus if something bad do happen you could be incinerated in a fuel fire from the tanks in the wings.

Back of the plane is safest, yet however when you get in behind the wheel of your car you are at a far higher risk, modern jet airliners in western countries are by far the safest way to travel, smaller propeller planes like todays tragedy obviously are less safer but due to their small capacity the amount killed in such crashes is always low.

bmarley

I never feel safe, no matter where I'm sitting, until the plane lands in one piece. However, I do like to sit near the front on the outside seat so that I can gauge the hostesses reactions during take off, turbulence and landing. My instinct would tell me it's safer at the front as the pilots would try to ensure their own safety first, if at all possible.

xflyer

Pilots are first at the scene of the accident, every time I take off, that comes to mind. Perhaps I'm alone in this but the worst thing that could happen to me is to kill people and walk away. I cannot imagine the guilt. I don't want to imagine the guilt. Sometimes when I look back at the people onboard and see their absolute trust in me. I feel a pang of fear. That keeps me a safe pilot. (I hope)

Sometimes I spoil their day by refusing to fly but I'd rather lose their respect than kill them because of my ego.

As for the front or back, it's down to luck. The luck of the draw. Like a soldier in battle, bullets can kill the man either side of you and avoid you completely. Pick your seat based on your instinct, the best guide possible.