How to Survive a Freefall

Surviving a free fall is mostly luck, but with the right technique and taking the proper steps, you can improve your chances to live another day. Free fall happens in situations such as airplane crashes, parachute malfunctions, suicide attempts and military planes being ripped apart by enemy fire. Survival is possible at over 20,000 feet --- given the right conditions. Aiming for an advantageous landing spot and positioning your body correctly for a "five-point landing" will maximize your odds of survival.

Instructions

• 1

  Grab and hold on to any wreckage or objects near you, as you free fall. Soft-cushioning objects, such as an airplane chair, are especially helpful. The objects will slow your fall and absorb the force of impact, as you land.

• 2

  Position your body like a skydiver to slow the descent by arching your back and head upward with your arms and legs spread out. Terminal velocity for a human is about 120 mph; so, any reduction in speed is helpful. This pose increases friction and gives you increased control to maneuver.

• 3

  Steer yourself toward a favorable landing area, such as deep soft snow, thick vegetation, soft ground or a tall conifer tree with delicate top branches that get thicker near the ground. Steep hills that level out are also good targets. Avoid surfaces that do not compress on impact, such as water and concrete. To move forward, pull your arms slightly back and extend your legs. Move backward by bending your knees and extending your arms. Turn right by dipping your right shoulder and turn left by dipping your left shoulder. It is possible to travel 2 miles in this fashion from 15,000 feet.

• 4

  Avoid panicking and aim to relax your body by focusing on the steps to survive. Tense muscles will violently transfer force to your vital organs and cause increased damage during landing.

• 5

  Change your position before you land to hit the ground with your feet first. Bend your knees to reduce the force of impact. Keep your legs tight together, so that they hit the ground at the same time. Lace your fingers behind your head and keep your elbows forward to protect your cranium. As you land, aim for a "five-point landing" by falling sideways, so that the feet, calf, thigh, butt and then shoulder hit the ground in order, spreading out to absorb the shock. With some luck, you will now join history's list of free fall survivors.