Crash Test Smarty: Discovery Boeing 727 Plane Crash Pictures
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This Boeing 727 passenger jet was deliberately crashed in a remote and unpopulated part of the Sonoran Desert of Baja California, Mexico. Why? The goal was to recreate a serious, but survivable, passenger jet crash landing so that an international team of experts could study the crashworthiness of the aircraft's airframe and cabin as well as the impact of crashes on the human body. The data could possibly be used to increase passenger survivability and evaluate new 'black box' crash-recording technology.
Image Credit: Vance Jacobs
After setting the plane on a crash course, the pilot ejected the 170-seat aircraft just minutes before the collision. It was then flown remotely from a chase plane. The crash went according to plan and there were no injuries or damage to property.
Image Credit: Vance Jacobs
The plane was crashed in a remote and uninhabited part of the Sonoran Desert. The location was chosen after an extensive international search to find a suitable location offering the perfect conditions for this groundbreaking scientific project.
Image Credit: Vance Jacobs
Following the crash, the aircraft will be salvaged and an extensive environmental clean-up operation will be carried out by a reputable agency with the full co-operation of the Mexican authorities.
Image Credit: Vance Jacobs
Leading scientists and veteran crash investigators, who have been enthusiastic supporters of this project, get to witness the plane crash in real time thanks to dozens of lenses trained on the action. Cameras recorded the crash from inside the aircraft, on the ground, in chase planes and even from the ejecting pilot's helmet.
Now that you've seen Discovery's Plane Crash Pictures, check out our Ascent of the Airplane Pictures!
Image Credit: Vance Jacobs
