Ditching
Ditching is a controlled emergency landing on the water surface in an aircraft not designed for the purpose, a very rare occurrence.
Ditching
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Despite the danger of this situation, Ditching - an emergency landing on water - is not a procedure that pilots are trained for.
In fact, there are no requirements in the FAA documents for pilots to undergo any training for landing planes on a water surface.
In fact, there are no requirements in the FAA documents for pilots to undergo any training for landing planes on a water surface.
What's up?
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 4
Definition of Ditching
Despite the danger of the situation, ditching - an emergency landing on water - is not a procedure that pilots are trained for. The FAA does not have any requirements for aircraft crews to undergo any training for landing planes on water surfaces. Ditching is a special term for a water landing of an aircraft. It is a normal landing for hydroplanes, while others perform ditching only in critical situations, most of which are related to fuel or engine or landing gear problems.
Most modern jet aircraft have engines located under the wings, making belly-landing and ditching very dangerous and complex because in such cases, the engine nacelles hit the ground or water surface first, significantly increasing friction and resistance, which can cause fire or engine detachment (or wing detachment).
More often than not, landing on a river is safer than on the sea/ocean because in most cases high waves can cause many problems for safe ditching. At least 19 passenger planes have made water landings in emergency situations over the last 60 years, but only a few of them were successful. Some aircraft are designed with the possibility of landing on water in mind. For example, Airbus family aircraft are equipped with a "ditching" button that, when pressed, closes valves and openings at the bottom of the fuselage. This is intended to slow down flooding during a water landing.
More often than not, landing on a river is safer than on the sea/ocean because in most cases high waves can cause many problems for safe ditching. At least 19 passenger planes have made water landings in emergency situations over the last 60 years, but only a few of them were successful. Some aircraft are designed with the possibility of landing on water in mind. For example, Airbus family aircraft are equipped with a "ditching" button that, when pressed, closes valves and openings at the bottom of the fuselage. This is intended to slow down flooding during a water landing.
Although civilian pilots are usually not trained in emergency water landings, flight attendants learn special evacuation procedures.
All aircraft flying over open seas must have individual life jackets and group passenger rescue rafts.
All aircraft flying over open seas must have individual life jackets and group passenger rescue rafts.
Typical Scenarios
A controlled ditching might be made in anticipation of a loss of control or its actual onset.
In the case of most multi-engined fixed wing aircraft, this will be a consequence of the failure of more than 50% of the available engines because of
In the case of most multi-engined fixed wing aircraft, this will be a consequence of the failure of more than 50% of the available engines because of
1
Fuel Contamination
2
Fuel Exhaustion
3
Ingestion into more than one engine of large birds
4
Ingestion of high density volcanic ash
Other potential causes of an impending loss of control which could prompt a decision to ditch include uncontrollable and developing fire or structural failure and, for rotary wing aircraft over water, indications of imminent power transmission failure or loss of rotor integrity for which the procedural response is 'Land Immediately'.
Final decision is still on the Captain. As always.
Final decision is still on the Captain. As always.
Considerations and Techniques for Ditching a Fixed Wing Aircraft
The following is a list of generally accepted considerations and techniques for ditching that should be applicable to virtually any fixed wing aircraft type.
1
Power On
If there is a choice in the matter, power on is preferable to power off for ditching. Use of power allows more control of both the rate of descent and point at which touchdown is made.
2
Reduce Aircraft Weight
Again, if there is a choice, a lighter aircraft allows a lower approach speed and will probably remain afloat higher in the water and for longer thus facilitating occupant evacuation. Burning off or dumping fuel also has the advantage of increasing buoyancy in some aircraft types by creating a larger air mass held within the fuel tanks.
3
Configuration - Gear Up, Flaps - Full
Gear up is the optimum configuration for ditching. Most manufacturers recommend the maximum deployment of available slats/flaps is desirable to minimise approach speed. However, judgement is required in this respect since an intermediate flap setting is likely to improve forward visibility and reduce the amount of rotation required to flare in return for some increase in airspeed.
4
MAYDAY
Distress calls should be made on all appropriate frequencies - if in a radar environment, a MAYDAY on the ATC frequency in use should suffice. The emergency code should be selected on the transponder if powered. In a non radar environment distress calls should be made on 121.5, on the applicable HF frequencies or via data link.
5
Direction of Ditching
Determine the best direction for ditching. In a confined space such as a river, there will be no choice other than the axis of the river; the direction with the higher headwind component should be chosen unless there is a compelling reason otherwise. In open water, the determination of optimum ditching heading becomes more complex. sea state is of critical importance since unless it is calm, the chances are that the direction of the wind will differ from that of the swell.
6
Lighting
At night, prudent use of both internal and external lights is critical. Minimising flight deck lighting will be important to maximise external night vision. Landing and taxi lights can in some circumstances actually make the situation worse by creating visual illusions and interfering with night vision.
7
Final Approach Rate of Descent
If power is available, use it to set up the minimum possible descent rate to your touchdown point (200 fpm or less). If power is not available, establish best glide speed (best lift over drag speed) and accept the resulting rate of descent. In both cases, just above the water, flare to the manufacturer's recommended touchdown attitude and hold that attitude to (and during) the touchdown.
8
Evacuation
Once the aircraft has come to a complete stop, initiate the evacuation. The expected attitude of the aircraft in the water is almost always "nose up" so that the rear doors will not be usable for evacuation. Ensure all available survival gear is taken from the aircraft. Whenever possible, link all of the rafts together to maximize the visual target for the search parties.
Knowing these points and following the instructions and recommendations of the airline/aircraft manufacturer, any emergency landing, including on water, has a great chance of success!
Summary
Aviation is a field full of not only romance, technology, and innovation but also unique dangers that have no analogues in other industries. Therefore, all aviation specialists must take training and fulfilling their obligations seriously. Ditching is just such a case. Despite the fact that many aviation authorities do not believe that separate types of training are needed for this emergency situation, many pilots study this topic on their own to better prepare themselves in case it happens.
If you know about the peculiarities of emergency water landings (Ditching), follow instructions and procedures, and apply Good Judgement principles, then there is every chance to solve this situation in the best possible way.
Fly safe :)
If you know about the peculiarities of emergency water landings (Ditching), follow instructions and procedures, and apply Good Judgement principles, then there is every chance to solve this situation in the best possible way.
Fly safe :)
Name of article: Ditching
Release date: 9/21/2023
Acrticle author: Nikita Pavlov
Release date: 9/21/2023
Acrticle author: Nikita Pavlov
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