There were also numerous recommendations made after comprehensive study into survivability aspects of the British Midland crash at Kegworth. These again came from the medical profession as well as industry professionals, Cranfield, Farnborough etc.
While some were taken up (looking at the brace possition for example,) others were not. While improved brace possitions will help if the crash is expected, as noted here, if the incident is sudden and unexpected, survivability will depend upon the aircraft structure and layout, including cabin and seats.
One of the subjects that came out of Kegworth and was hotly debated was the subject of rear facing pasanger seats. Standard on some purpose built military transport aircraft for many years. (Not on those converted from civil types in recent years.)
In an impact, the entire weight of the body, including head is taken by the seat structure. This reduces whip lash injuries, and the decelleration forces are absorbed by a much larger area. Currently, the entire forward force is absorbed only by a lap strap. In modern cars, that crash at lower speeds, 3 point harnesses are standard, as are airbags. Why in aviation, where although accidents are a lot more rare, are we still using just a single strap? The result is that in many accidents, passengers survive the crash, but pelvic injuries (and lower limb injury caused by legs hitting the seat structure in front,) prevent a successful unaided evacuation of the aircraft.
Time to look at this again?
