How to Survive a Flight in the Wheel Well: A Dire Journey
Imagine surviving a 5.5-hour flight without any form of safety or comfort. This bizarre tale, though documented, should serve as a stark reminder of the myriad dangers associated with hiding in the wheel well of an airplane.
Unsurpassed Survival or Dire Illusion?
The proposed paper suggests that under extreme conditions, the human body can enter a state of hibernation to survive low-oxygen environments. However, the reality of this method is far from ideal. A 15-year-old boy managed to hide in a 737's landing gear and reach Hawaii, surviving despite surveillance footage of his perilous journey.
Is it a Viable Free Vacation?
While the story is captivating, do not be tempted to follow this route for a free vacation. The dangers are immense, including being crushed by landing gear, dying from hypothermia, or succumbing to hypoxia. These risks are not mere theories; numerous fatalities have been documented worldwide.
Unpredictable and Dangerous
The environment within the wheel well is extremely challenging. Modern aircraft operate at high altitudes where temperatures can plummet to zero degrees Celsius or lower. Movement of parts, limited space, and the lack of a proper escape route make it nearly impossible to survive.
Why You Should Stay Away
1. Crushing Hazards: The landing gear can crush passengers during takeoff and landing. The complex mechanisms and limited space make it nearly impossible to avoid such accidents.
2. Hypoxia: At high altitudes, the air is thin and oxygen is scarce, leading to severe symptoms of hypoxia and potential death within minutes.
3. Hypothermia: The freezing temperatures can rapidly lower body temperature, leading to hypothermia and further endangering life.
4. Falls and Disfigurements: During the landing phase, the gear may extend and retract, causing falls and disfigurements. The moving parts can be lethal.
Survival through Miraculous Stupidity?
The rare instances of miraculous survival are often attributed to exceptional luck rather than informed decision-making. Survivors like the young boy mentioned made it through by sheer chance and against all odds.
A Call to Action
While the account is thrilling, it underscores the importance of flight safety by all means. The risks are simply too high and the dangers too numerous to consider this a viable or safe option for transportation. Airlines have strict procedures and policies to ensure the safety of both passengers and aircraft. Violating these can result in severe harm or death.
Stay safe, and never attempt to hide in the wheel well. If you have any interest in air travel, consider the numerous alternatives available and explore every option responsibly and safely.