Survival at high altitudes: wheel-well passengers

Area of Science:

• Aviation Physiology
• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Survival Studies

Background:

• Documented historical instances of "wheel-well" passenger stowaway flights between 1947-1993.
• Analysis of survival and fatality rates in these high-altitude, unpressurized environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the unpressurized flight environment and the physiological adaptations enabling human survival.
• To analyze the factors contributing to survival and death in wheel-well stowaway incidents.

Main Methods:

• Review of documented wheel-well stowaway flights from The N.Y. Times archives (1947-1993).
• Analysis of flight altitudes, aircraft types, and survival outcomes.
• Examination of physiological responses to extreme hypoxia and cold at high altitudes.

Main Results:

• Ten wheel-well stowaway flights were documented, with 5 survivors and 6 fatalities.
• Flights reached altitudes up to 39,000 feet, involving various aircraft types including Douglas DC-8 and Boeing 707.
• Survival was linked to physiological responses to extreme environmental conditions, inducing a "hibernative" state.

Conclusions:

• Human survival in unpressurized aircraft wheel-wells is physiologically possible under extreme conditions.
• Politically motivated stowaway attempts have occurred, and similar incidents may continue.
• Enhanced airport security measures are recommended to prevent such attempts.