USAF take-off and landing ejections, 1973-85

Ejection on or near the ground appears potentially injurious, especially since the survival rate decreases as altitude of ejection decreases. Ejection data from 1973 through 1985 were reviewed to analyze whether ground-level take-off and landing ejections posed an increased risk of injury or death. This review included only ejections clearly requiring a decision between ground egress and ejection. There were 15 aircraft with 25 crewmembers identified; 22 of them had ejected. Ejection systems performed as designed 91% of the time. Three crewmembers were killed during ejection, yielding a survival rate of 86%. Four ejectees suffered spinal compression fractures from ejection force. Two of these also fractured other vertebrae during the parachute landing fall, for a major injury rate of 21%. In only 33% was ground egress probable. Survival and injury rates for ejection on the ground did not differ significantly from those above 500 ft (p less than 0.05). Ejection during take-off and landing phases is as safe as ejection above 500 ft. safer than other ejections below 500 ft, and does not result in excess injury rates. Ejection systems are sometimes damaged by impact or fire. In the emergencies considered, ejection offered greatly increased chances for survival over ground egress.