I would far rather ondergo a 60 MPH deceleration across the ground over many feet, perhaps hundreds if I do it right, than a vertical deceleration at 20 MPH in no more than about 4? feet!
I agree.
Experiments done by the USAF with rocket powered sleds in the 1950s involved a forward deceleration of 80+G. At the top end, the subject ended up with a detached retina but no broken bones IIRC.
A vertical acceleration is just going to b*gger up your spine so you end up in a wheelchair, and an excessive value is going to snap your pelvis, which is not great either.
I am not a doctor but give me a field to plough any day.
I would still like a chute for
- engine loss over forest
- engine loss over mountains
- structural failure