Ep 11. Killer Brace Position

In season 3 episode 11 of Mythbusters, titled "Killer Brace Position," the team takes on the commonly-taught safety measure of "brace position" during a plane crash. The myth states that the brace position can significantly increase the likelihood of surviving a crash, but the team sets out to determine if this is really true.

To start, the team constructs a brace position simulator, which is essentially a chair equipped with sensors to measure the forces exerted on the occupant during a crash. They test the simulator using various crash scenarios, including a simulated impact at 60 miles per hour.

Next, the team sets up a full-scale plane crash experiment. They use a decommissioned airplane and rig it with cameras and sensors to capture every detail of the crash. A crash test dummy is positioned in the brace position, and the team measures the forces exerted on it during the crash.

The results are surprising. While the brace position did provide some protection from the forces of the crash, the level of protection was not as significant as previously believed. In fact, the team discovers that other factors, such as seat position and wearing a seatbelt, were much more important in determining survival rates.

But the team doesn't stop there. They also explore the history of the brace position and its origins in military training. They interview experts in aviation safety and extract valuable insights for passengers on what to do during a plane crash.

Ultimately, the team determines that while the brace position does offer some protection, it is not a guaranteed lifesaver. Passengers should instead pay attention to other safety measures, such as wearing a seatbelt and paying attention to the safety briefing before takeoff.

All in all, "Killer Brace Position" is an informative episode that sheds light on a commonly-taught safety measure. The Mythbusters team delves deep into the science behind the myth and provides valuable insights for anyone who flies regularly.