The lone survivor of the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad has sparked global speculation after he escaped through an emergency exit while every other person onboard perished. But aviation experts warn against drawing conclusions about a “safest seat” based on this single tragedy.
Ramesh Viswashkumar, who was seated in 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, said his position next to an exit door allowed him to escape within moments of the crash. “In this particular instance, because the passenger was sitting adjacent to the emergency exit, this was obviously the safest seat on the day,” said Ron Bartsch, Chairman of Sydney-based AvLaw Aviation Consulting.
However, specialists say survivability in a plane crash isn’t as simple as picking the right seat.
“Each accident is different, and it is impossible to predict survivability based on seat location,” said Mitchell Fox, director at the Flight Safety Foundation in the U.S.
Experts emphasized that aircraft vary widely in layout, and the dynamics of every crash are unique. While sitting near an exit may increase the odds of escape, it’s not a guarantee. In Viswashkumar’s case, the other side of the aircraft was reportedly blocked by a building wall, making his exit door the only viable route.
Even data from previous studies should be taken with caution. A 2007 Popular Mechanics analysis found that passengers seated at the back of planes had better odds of survival, while others argue the wing section offers better structural stability.
Seat preference might influence outcomes in minor mishaps as well. Aisle seats, for instance, offer quicker access to exits but may put passengers at greater risk from falling overhead luggage — a far more common hazard than crashes.
One consistently reliable factor in surviving aviation accidents, according to experts, is awareness. Paying attention to safety briefings — often overlooked by frequent flyers — can dramatically improve survival chances.
“Disciplined compliance with cabin crew evacuation advice” saved all 379 passengers aboard a Japan Airlines A350 flight in January last year after a collision with a Coast Guard plane in Tokyo, even though five crew members in the smaller aircraft died.
Key safety tips include counting the number of rows to the nearest exit, learning how to brace for impact, and knowing how to unbuckle your seatbelt quickly.
Fox noted that technological advancements in aircraft design have contributed significantly to higher survival rates in ground-impact crashes. Features like fire-resistant materials, floor path lighting, better emergency exits, and smoke detection systems have all played a role.
“There have been remarkable advancements in airplane cabin design that have improved the survivability of accidents on or near the ground,” Fox said.
The harrowing escape of one man from seat 11A may seem extraordinary, but experts stress that preparedness, not seat number, is what ultimately saves lives.