After the accident: Waiting for rescue
Pilots are trained for emergencies such as forced landings. But what happens after the accident? Could you survive three days in the backcountry during the winter until rescue arrived? Participants in the Surratt Winter Survival Clinic learn how.
Will to survive
One week before her high school graduation, Dianna Miller lay beneath a wing of the Cessna 172 that had crashed, crushing her fourth lumbar vertebra, left foot, and right ankle. Her mother, who died on impact, lay on the other side of the aircraft. Read More >>
Fire and duct tape distress signals
Mixture—idle cut off. Fuel shutoff valve—off. Ignition switch—off. Master switch—off. During a forced landing without engine power, pilots focus on preventing a fire upon landing. Afterward, however, fire becomes a friend. Read More >>
Tarp and stick digs
It could be days before rescuers arrive at an accident scene, particularly if the aircraft went down in backcountry terrain. Braving the bitter cold, howling wind, and snow for extended periods of time could be impossible without fire and shelter. Read More >>
Pack as if your life depends on it
A single-engine aircraft crashed in the Montana wilderness, all four onboard were injured, and help won’t arrive for 36 hours: If you were one of those on board, would you have the survival equipment and proper attire to survive?
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