Transport Water Impact, Part 2.
Abstract
This report documents the second of a two-part program intended to study the over-water operating environment of jet transport aircraft. The report is comprised of three sections: aircraft accident analysis, airport water rescue, and emergency flotation devices. Worldwide transport airplane accident data from 1959 to the present were reviewed with an emphasis on water impact accidents and land impact accidents that occurred near airports. A sample of these land impact accidents were analyzed, using a mathematical model, to predict their outcome had they impacted a body of water. Water rescue programs at 23 national airports were surveyed addressing facilities, equipment, personnel, operations, and the airport water environment. New water rescue techniques and equipment were examined. A study of current federal regulations and NTSB recommendations regarding airport water rescue was performed. Personal flotation devices (PFDs), seat cushions, life preservers, life rafts, evacuation slides, and slide-raft combinations carried on commercial transport aircraft were studied. Relevant Federal Aviation Regulation (FARs) and Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) were reviewed. Recommendations on improving the existing regulations and incorporating new features into the devices to improve performance and reliability of the devices are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA310582
Entities
People
- Jagdeep M. Tahliani
- Mark W. Mueller