If you fall off a plane, you'll experience a rapid and dangerous series of events.
Initial Plunge
- Lack of Oxygen: The most immediate concern is the lack of oxygen at high altitudes. As referenced in the YouTube video, "What Happens If You Fall out of an Airplane?", the air thins significantly, leading to a dramatic reduction in available oxygen.
- Loss of Consciousness: Due to the sudden drop in oxygen, you would quickly lose consciousness. This is because your brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function properly.
The Descent
- Rising Air Pressure: As you fall, the air pressure will gradually increase as you approach the ground.
- Acceleration: Gravity causes you to accelerate rapidly towards the earth. This acceleration is what contributes to the severity of impact.
Impact
- Terminal Velocity: Eventually, you will reach terminal velocity, where the force of gravity and air resistance equalize, limiting your speed.
- Fatal Impact: The impact of hitting the ground at such speeds is almost always fatal. There's virtually no chance of survival without proper safety equipment like a parachute.
Summary
Here's a table summarizing the key events:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Fall | Low oxygen levels, rapid loss of consciousness. |
| Descent | Increasing air pressure, acceleration towards the ground, reaching terminal velocity. |
| Impact | Fatal collision with the ground. |
In essence, falling off a plane is a highly perilous situation with minimal chances of survival due to the combination of extreme altitude, lack of oxygen, and high-speed impact.
