In the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash, attention has turned to the sole survivor, Viswash Kumar Ramesh, and the implications of his seating choice. Ramesh was seated in 11A, and many are questioning whether this location contributed to his survival.
Aviation experts suggest that seat selection does not significantly influence survival in accidents. Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator, stated, “If you’re in a crash, all bets are off,” emphasizing that choosing a seat for comfort rather than safety is a more practical approach.
While some believe that seats at the rear are safer, Guzzetti notes that this is a misconception. “You just can’t predict crash dynamics,” he said, highlighting that various factors affect the outcome of each crash.
On the Air India flight, Seat 11A was located in an exit row, which can facilitate quicker escapes in certain emergency situations. However, Ramesh reported that the right side of the aircraft became obstructed, limiting escape options for anyone else who may have survived the impact.
During emergencies, such as those involving fire, being near an exit row could provide a faster route to safety. But Guzzetti argued that, in this particular crash scenario, survival was a matter of chance.
Shawn Pruchnicki, another aviation safety expert, attributed Ramesh’s survival to “purely luck,” noting that survival is typically unlikely for individuals seated near the front due to proximity to fuel sources.
The recent crash adds to a series of aviation incidents, including a midair collision and crashes in South Korea and Kazakhstan, which have raised concerns about air travel safety. However, experts reaffirm that air travel remains safe, with such crashes being rare occurrences.