When stepping onto an aircraft, our thoughts typically wander to legroom, proximity to the toilet, or the view from the window. Rarely do we ponder which seat might offer the best chance of survival in a crash.
However, for Liliana Estrada, a contractor from the US, this seemingly trivial choice became a matter of life or death.
Liliana’s harrowing experience as a survivor of the Lahnsa Airlines disaster in Honduras, which tragically claimed 12 lives and injured four others, has sparked a crucial conversation: Is there really a ‘safest’ seat on a plane?
In an interview, Liliana recounted the fateful day of March 17th, when she boarded the ill-fated Jetstream 32 aircraft. The plane, with its configuration of single and double rows, became her unlikely refuge.
By chance, she selected the single seat on the left side, opposite an exit door, positioned right on the wing. This decision, as fate would have it, was instrumental in her survival.
‘The plane fell and split in two,’ Liliana explained. ‘According to what I’ve been told, I got out; I took off my seatbelt myself and was able to swim.’
Her escape was nothing short of miraculous, particularly considering the injuries she sustained—a fractured pelvis and spine—left her narrowly avoiding paralysis.
The crash, occurring just 100 metres off the Jose Manuel Galvez International Airport runway’s edge, saw the plane’s wreckage sinking into the Caribbean Sea. Liliana managed to free herself and was later rescued by two fishermen.
The footage of first responders carrying her ashore, her cries of pain echoing, serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the unforeseen dangers of air travel.
Liliana’s ordeal also highlights the broader issue of airline safety, particularly with regional carriers. She criticised Lahnsa Airlines for the condition of their fleet, suggesting neglect and a lack of regular maintenance.
‘…I hadn’t flown on Lahnsa since last year until this year. The other times I’ve flown, I could tell that the planes were definitely neglected,’ Estrada said in a post she made after the incident.
Her comments followed a video she posted online, questioning the airline’s decision to fly despite apparent pre-flight issues.
The tragedy also claimed the life of Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martínez, a prominent figure in the local music scene. His loss has been deeply felt across the community and beyond.
What can we glean from Liliana’s story when choosing our seats on a plane? Aviation experts have long debated the relative safety of different seating positions. Some suggest the rear of the aircraft is safer, while others argue survival hinges more on the nature of the crash and swift access to an exit.
Barbara Dunn, president of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators, emphasises the importance of seatbelts and the brace position in boosting survival chances. She also notes the impact location and speed of fire spread can significantly affect outcomes.
As we reflect on Liliana Estrada’s experience, it’s a sobering reminder that while we can’t predict every outcome, being informed and prepared can make a critical difference.
Choosing your seat may seem trivial, but as Liliana’s story demonstrates, it could be the decision that saves your life.
Have you ever considered the safety implications of your seat choice on a plane? Do you have any survival or travel tips for fellow travellers? Join the conversation below and let us know what you think.
