Watch This Footage of Boeing Plane Crashed on Purpose

In a rare and carefully planned experiment, a Boeing 727 was intentionally crashed in the desert to study the effects of an airplane crash on passengers. This event was part of the Discovery Channel’s show Curiosity: Plane Crash. It was designed to provide experts with a clearer understanding of what happens to people inside a plane during a crash and to test safety measures that could help save lives in such a disaster.

The crash test was years in the making, with a large team of engineers, aviation experts, and safety specialists involved. The idea was to recreate the most realistic crash scenario possible, and the Boeing 727 became their chosen aircraft. Instead of relying on computer models or simulators, the team wanted to observe a real crash and gather first-hand data on the damage and the potential for passenger survival. The use of this real plane made the experiment groundbreaking and provided new insights into airplane safety.

The Crew and Equipment

The Boeing 727 was equipped with more than $5 million worth of crash test dummies, each placed strategically throughout the cabin to simulate the positions of real passengers. These dummies were outfitted with sensors to measure the impact of the crash on different parts of the body. There were 38 cameras set up to record both inside and outside the plane, capturing the event from every possible angle. The cameras provided a detailed view of what happens in a plane crash, from the perspective of passengers and those observing from the outside.

A small, courageous crew piloted the plane during takeoff, but they didn’t stay on board until the crash. The pilots had to parachute out of the plane just before impact, leaving the Boeing 727 to crash on its own. Their daring escape was another calculated part of the test, ensuring they avoided harm while still getting the plane to crash under controlled conditions.

The Crash Itself

The Boeing 727 crash landed in the desert, with the plane hitting the ground nose first before skidding to a halt. The impact was significant but survivable for passengers sitting in certain areas of the plane. The front rows of the aircraft suffered the most damage. Passengers seated in these rows would likely not have survived the crash. Seat 7A, for example, was completely torn out of the plane. This was a harsh reminder that sitting in certain parts of the plane can make a huge difference in the chances of survival.

Those seated behind row seven fared better, but many of the crash test dummies sustained severe injuries. Passengers who didn’t follow safety protocols, such as bending forward and bracing for impact, had a higher likelihood of suffering spinal injuries due to the sudden jolt of the crash. These injuries were caused by the passengers being thrown forward against their seatbelts, which weren’t designed to protect the spine in such situations.

Key Findings on Survival

One of the primary purposes of this crash was to study the “brace for impact” position that passengers are often advised to take during a crash landing. The data gathered from the crash test dummies made it clear that this advice can indeed save lives. Passengers who bent forward and placed their heads and arms in a protective position had a much better chance of surviving the impact. Dr. Cindy Burr, a safety expert involved in the project, explained that this simple action could prevent severe head injuries and increase the chances of survival.

Another critical finding involved the role of debris during a crash. The crash showed that debris, including pieces of luggage, overhead bins, and even parts of the plane itself, can become deadly projectiles. Passengers sitting upright were at greater risk of being hit by flying debris, which could cause serious injuries or even death. This emphasizes the importance of not only bracing for impact but also securing loose items in the cabin before landing.

The test also highlighted the dangers of holding children on laps during flights. Dr. Burr demonstrated how in a relatively minor crash, even a parent’s strong grip wouldn’t be enough to keep hold of a child. The impact forces would be too strong, and the child could be thrown across the cabin, making it extremely unsafe for anyone to hold an infant or small child on their lap during a crash.

Watch the video below: