Originally published in 2007
- FLY THE AIRPLANE
As the FAA puts it, ”The most critical and often the most inexcusable error that can be made in the planning and execution of an emergency landing, even in ideal terrain, is the loss of initiative over the airplane’s attitude and sink rate at touchdown.” - TERRAIN SELECTION
The only time the pilot has a very limited choice is during the low and slow portion of the takeoff. However, even under these conditions, the ability to change the impact heading only a few degrees may ensure a survival crash. If beyond gliding distance of a suitable open area, the pilot should judge the available terrain for its energy absorbing capability. - CHANGE YOUR PLAN ONLY ONCE
Considerable altitude may be lost before the best spot can be pinpointed. For this reason, the pilot should not hesitate to discard the original plan for a better one. As a rule, the pilot should not change his or her mind more than once; a well-executed crash landing can be less hazardous than an uncontrolled touchdown on an established runway. - PLAN THE APPROACH
Approach planning should be governed by three factors
• Wind direction and velocity.
• Dimensions and slope of the chosen field.
• Obstacles in the final approach path.
Colliding with obstacles at the end of a ground roll is much less hazardous than at flying speed before touchdown. - SEE TIP NUMBER 1.
SOURCE: Aviation Safety 2006