How to Survive a Helicopter Crash

Why a Helicopter Might Crash

Although rare, helicopter crashes happen due to human, mechanical, and environmental factors. Here are the most common causes:

Pilot Error

• Misjudging weather or flight conditions
• Fatigue or poor communication with air traffic control

Mechanical Failures

• Engine failure or rotor malfunctions
• Issues with hydraulics or other critical systems

Bad Weather

• Fog, turbulence, or strong winds
• Ice forming on blades, reducing lift

Obstacles and Bird Strikes

• Collisions with birds, power lines, or trees

Fuel Issues

• Running out of fuel or undetected leaks

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)

• Flying into terrain due to poor visibility

10 Proven Steps to Stay Alive During a Helicopter Crash

Surviving a helicopter crash might sound impossible, but many people survive these accidents by following the proper steps. Quick thinking, preparation, and staying calm can drastically improve your odds.

Here are ten proven steps to help you stay alive if the unexpected happens.

1. What to Know Before Boarding the Helicopter

Preparation starts long before the crash. The moments before takeoff are crucial for setting yourself up for success if things go south.

Check Safety Equipment

• Take note of where the emergency exits are located.
• Ensure you know where the life vests, seatbelts, and fire extinguishers are.
• If you’re flying over water, ensure the aircraft has flotation devices.

Wear the Right Clothing

Avoid loose clothing that can snag on things. Wear non-flammable fabrics like cotton rather than synthetics, which can melt in a fire. Boots or sturdy shoes are ideal—you’ll need them if you must walk away from the crash site.

2. Stay Calm During the Helicopter Descent

As terrifying as it sounds, staying calm is your most powerful tool during a crash. Panic wastes time and stops you from taking essential steps that could save your life.

Brace Position Saves Lives

The proper crash position depends on your seat. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Front-facing seats: Bend forward, tuck your head between your knees, and protect your head with your hands.
• Side-facing seats: Cross your arms over your chest and tuck your chin down to protect your head and neck.

This isn’t just a silly yoga pose. Studies show that adopting the correct brace position significantly reduces injuries.

3. The Moment of Impact: What to Do

Impact feels like a truck hitting you at high speed—it will disorient you. The key is to stay conscious and focused. Once the helicopter has stopped moving, act quickly.

Assess Your Injuries

• Do a quick body scan: Are you bleeding? Can you move all your limbs?
• Help others only if you can—you won’t do anyone good by passing out from your injuries.

4. Escape the Helicopter Quickly

Helicopter crashes often involve fuel leaks, which means fire or explosions are real risks. You don’t want to linger.

Follow These Steps to Get Out Safely

• Undo your seatbelt or harness immediately.
• Find the closest exit and push, pull, or kick it open if necessary.
• If the door is blocked, use your shoes or a fire extinguisher to break a window.
• Crawl to safety if smoke or fire blocks your vision.

5. If the Helicopter Crashes Into Water

Water landings are terrifying, but survival is possible with the right approach. The key is to stay in your seat until the helicopter stops sinking.

How to Escape a Sinking Helicopter

• Take a deep breath before the water fills the cabin.
• Wait until the helicopter stops moving and the pressure equalizes before opening a door.
• Once free, swim to the surface and inflate your life vest. Don’t inflate it inside the cabin—it could trap you.

6. What to Do After Escaping the Wreckage

Even if you survive the crash, you’re not out of danger yet. Immediate priorities include getting to safety, avoiding fires, and treating injuries.

Move Away From the Wreckage

• Get at least 100 yards away—fires can ignite even after the crash seems over.
• Find a clear area to wait for rescue if you’re in the wilderness.

7. Treat Injuries and Find Shelter

Now that you’re clear of the wreckage tend to any injuries. Apply pressure to wounds, immobilize broken limbs, and use first-aid supplies if available.

Find Shelter or Stay Put?

Staying close to the crash site increases your chances of being found in remote areas. If you must move, mark the area with visible objects to guide rescuers.

8. Signal for Help and Wait for Rescue

Once you’re safe and stabilized, your goal is to get rescued. Use every tool at your disposal to make your location obvious.

Effective Ways to Signal Rescuers

• Use a signal mirror or reflective surface to catch the attention of passing aircraft.
• Build a fire to create smoke if it’s safe to do so.
• If you have a radio or beacon, activate it immediately.

9. Mental Fortitude: The Secret to Survival

Staying alive isn’t just about brute strength but mental endurance. The shock of surviving a helicopter crash can trigger fear, confusion, and panic, but keeping a clear head helps you make better decisions.

10. Practice and Preparation: The Best Way to Survive

While you can’t predict when or if you’ll experience a helicopter crash, learning advanced survival techniques can make a big difference. Consider attending helicopter safety training if you frequently travel by air, especially to remote areas.

How to Survive a Helicopter Crash

Surviving a helicopter crash involves a mix of preparation, quick thinking, and a bit of luck. The good news is that many people survive these accidents, especially when they take the right actions quickly.

Knowing how to brace for impact, escape efficiently, and stay calm under pressure can increase your odds of surviving and walking away from a crash.