Surviving an 8-Hour Flight Stowed Away in the Landing Gear: The Survival Myths and Realities

Surviving an 8-hour flight stowed away in the landing gear of a commercial airliner is a harrowing experience that combines the extreme dangers of hypothermia, hypoxia, and mechanical hazards. This article delves into the physiological and environmental factors that can potentially allow a stowaway to survive such an ordeal, drawing on documented incidents and recent scientific studies.

Understanding the Challenges

The environment within a commercial airliner's landing gear is unforgiving. At cruise altitudes, the temperatures can reach an unbearable -50 degrees Celsius, conditions that would freeze a person within minutes. Additionally, the air at these heights is highly thin, containing less than 20% of the oxygen found at sea level. These factors contribute to the likelihood of rapid hypothermia and hypoxia, which are life-threatening conditions if not managed.

Survival Myths Debunked

A recent paper proposed that humans placed in environments that overwhelm their capacity to regulate body temperature could enter a state of poikilothermy, experiencing a temporary hibernation-like state that enables them to survive in low-oxygen environments. While this concept is intriguing, it is not entirely accurate. The so-called "hibernation state" is a myth, and the chances of survival are extremely low.

Risk and Statistics

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the actual rate of survival for individuals stowed away in the landing gear is likely to be lower than 50%. Media reports indicate that bodies have fallen from wheel wells on approach and landing, further confirming the high mortality rate. Besides the extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen, there are several other grave dangers:

Hypothermia: Exposure to sub-freezing temperatures can lead to rapid cooling of the body, causing hypothermia, frostbite, and even death. Hypoxia: Breathing air with such low oxygen levels can lead to hypoxia, causing dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Collapse: There is a significant risk of getting crushed or seriously injured by the moving parts of the landing gear. Abrasion: The spinning wheels can cause severe abrasions or even fatalities if the individual is in contact with the moving parts. Falling: Upon landing gear extension, the individual could fall out of the wheel well and die from the resulting impact.

Documented Incidents and Reported Survival

Despite the grim statistics, there have been documented cases where individuals have survived being stowed away in the landing gear. A 1996 FAA aeromedical technical report lists several instances of survival, discussing the physiological conditions that allowed for temporary survival in such a harsh environment. These cases are often attributed to the hibernation-like state induced by the frigid temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.

Conclusion

Surviving an 8-hour flight stowed away in the landing gear is highly improbable due to the extreme environmental conditions and multiple dangers involved. While there are physiological anomalies that can potentially reduce oxygen and temperature needs, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. Airline safety measures and regulations are in place to prevent such incidents, underscoring the importance of following all safety guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.