Improvements to crashworthiness through later retrofit and update programs, although important, usually can only achieve limited success since a systems approach cannot be taken to the entire problem of crash survival. This approach is to consider and design for the positive interaction of all elements that will aid in the occupant's survival. It starts with the design of the aircraft structure, giving it the capability to absorb energy through controlled deformation. Inclusion of energy attenuating landing struts will help to dissipate some of the ground impact force before it can reach the inhabited areas of the aircraft. The effect of water impact has not been recently studied.
Most safety engineers believe that water impact is more serious due to the hydrodynamic effects.
Within these areas, the ground impact forces transmitted to the occupants through their seats and restraint systems must be managed so as not to exceed the limits of human tolerance. This can be done by providing energy attenuating seats with sufficient clearance to displace downward toward the floor. Delethalizing the structures in the occupant's immediate vicinity and keeping those structures substantially intact to the extent that a livable volume is provided throughout the crash sequence, is another important aspect of a total system design. Postcrash fire retardation or elimination, breathing aids for underwater evacuation, emergency egress lighting, and personal, as well as, aircraft flotation will ensure that the occupants can evacuate the aircraft after surviving the crash. Lastly, the crew and passengers must be given the means to survive in a harsh environment outside of the aircraft until rescued.