Crashed Aircraft
LIGHT AIRCRAFT BALISTIC RECOVERY SYSTEM
A development in light aircraft Safety
has been to include the installation of a Ballistic Recovery
System (BRS) into an increasing number of light aircraft. The system utilises a rocket activated
parachute which is deployed by the pilot when a plane experiences engine failure during flight.
In normal operational mode the system does not constitute a hazard However there is a
risk of serious injury or death to responders at incidents which involve aircraft that carry BRS that have not deployed.
There is no national or international data available to identify specific aircraft in which this equipment is installed. There is also no standardised external signage or warning to indicate if an aircraft is fitted with BRS or its deployment status.
The rocket is propelled by the ignition of a solid propellant,
although the ignition mechanism is initiated manually by the pilot pulling a handle within the cockpit area.
In an aircraft crash where the BRS has not deployed there is a risk that distortion or cutting of
the airframe during impact or extrication of a casualty may cause the BRS to actuate and deploy without
warning.
In a fire there is a risk that heat may distort the ignition mechanism or cause the solid propellant to ignite, either
of which may cause BRS deployment without warning.
Indications that the BRS has deployed include the parachute or harness attached to the aircraft
or close to the incident site
•
A warning sign “Warning! Rocket for parachute deployment inside. Stay clear when
airplane is occupied” or similar wording may be displayed on the fuselage
•
A red operating handle in the roof of the cockpit area may indicate a BRS.
Service Aircraft
Take measures to avoid the line of forward firing guns and if the aircraft is on fire, evacuate everyone to a distance of at least 500 metres
Ensure that there is no interference with armaments either on the aircraft or scattered in the crash area. Where the armaments comprise nuclear weapons there is no danger of explosion, but there is a possibility that fire may lead to a spreading of radioactive dust or smoke over a limited area which could be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or if it entered cuts or abrasions on the body. Householders should be advised to close windows. Anyone who has obviously been contaminated must seek medical attention
Rescue
Under normal circumstances
rescue of survivors of an air crash is the responsibility of the emergency Services either Civil or military
.However, in extreme circumstances members of the public may have no option but to become involved in rescue, and if they do,
they should Be aware of
the possibility of inhaling poisonous fumes. In addition, the following points are to be observed when effecting rescue:-
Keep away from the front and rear of aircraft - always approach from the side. There is danger from jet engines and/or armaments.
Do not break or cut any electrical wiring
Do not operate any switches or levers. If any aircraft crew survive, their guidance should be followed
Attempt firstly to gain access by main doors, then at those windows which are emergency entrances. Instructions for opening are clearly indicated on the outside of the aircraft
If it is necessary to break in, this should be done at points indicated by red corner markings and the words "cut in here"
Large aircraft have escape chutes attached to main doors and escape ropes in stowage on windows. Military and certain civilian aircraft carry external markings on the fuselage indicating positions of first aid kits, fire fighting equipment etc
If the aircraft is fitted with ejector seats, it will have a red triangle marking on each side of the fuselage,
and the words "Ejection Seat" inscribed in white on each triangle. In these cases the cockpit area
should be left alone entirely pending the arrival of suitably trained personnel. CAUTION
All of the foregoing should only be used or attempted if there is no possibility of trained outside help!
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