The effects of structural failure on injuries sustained in the M1 Boeing 737 disaster, January 1989. NLDB Study Group

Only 10 occupants escaped uninjured from the wreckage of the East Midlands Boeing 737/400 aircraft accident. The remaining 116 suffered injuries similar in pattern, but ranging in severity from simple bruising to fatal crushing trauma. Overall, the individual's degree of injury and likelihood of death was proportional to the local structural damage of the aircraft. Limb injuries were particularly severe in the forward section of the wreckage where the floor failed. In areas where structural damage appeared to be survivable, a number of passengers suffered disproportionately severe head injuries. Many of these had trauma to the posterior aspect of their head, some of whom died as a result. It is likely that these injuries were caused by falling overhead lockers or unrestrained cabin furniture. The significance of these injuries and their future prevention is discussed.