Water survival: 20 years Canadian Forces aircrew experience

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Naval Safety
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Water immersion incidents pose significant risks to Canadian Forces (CF) aircrew.
• Previous reviews have analyzed ejection/ditching incidents, but a comprehensive look at water survival and injury patterns is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze Canadian Forces (CF) aircrew ejection/ditching incidents involving water immersion over a 20-year period (1962-1982).
• To identify patterns in survival/rescue times and injury types in both salt and fresh water environments.
• To assess the risk factors associated with different aircraft types and water conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 595 Category A, B, and C accidents from 1962 to 1982.
• Analysis of 37 water-entry incidents involving 116 crew members.
• Categorization of accidents by aircraft type, water type (salt/fresh), warning times, and survival outcomes.

Main Results:

• 38 out of 116 crew members died in water-entry accidents (4 in fresh water).
• Sea King helicopters were most at risk for sea water immersion; single-engine Otters for fresh water.
• Most crew had less than 1 minute warning (92%) and less than 15 seconds to respond (78%).
• Hypothermia occurred in two cases; survival was better for trained swimmers/divers.
• Rescue times were under 3 hours, with 16 of 24 cases rescued within 15 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Water immersion accidents are infrequent but dangerous for CF aircrew.
• Limited warning time significantly impacts survival.
• Water survival training, Dilbert Dunker qualification, and strong swimming skills enhance aircrew survivability.
• Rescue response times are generally efficient, but proactive survival training is crucial.