MythBusters Season 3 Episode 31 Escape Slide-Parachute

In MythBusters season 3 episode 31, titled "Escape Slide-Parachute", the team takes on the myth that passengers can use an airplane's inflatable slide as a makeshift parachute in case of emergency. To test this theory, the team builds a giant outdoor slide and sets it up on a hill, then rigs it up with a parachute container and harnesses.

The episode begins with a discussion of the importance of emergency exits on airplanes, and why passengers might consider using the escape slide as a parachute if they were unable to use the plane's other emergency systems. The hosts note that although airlines have instructed passengers to use the slides for years, there is no evidence to suggest that anyone has ever managed to use a slide as a parachute in real life.

To test the myth, the hosts start by using a small inflatable slide in a controlled setting, attaching a parachute backpack to it and sending Buster, their crash test dummy, down the slide. The backpack gets caught on the slide and doesn't deploy properly, leading the team to speculate that the force of the wind might prevent the parachute from working properly on a slide that is moving at high speeds.

Next, the team builds a much larger outdoor slide and begins testing different types of parachute harnesses to see which one is most effective. They attach the slide to a winch and send Buster down the slide with a variety of harnesses and parachute containers, but they run into a number of problems: the weight of the harness causes Buster to flip over, the parachute gets tangled in the slide, or the harness breaks apart upon impact.

Despite these setbacks, the MythBusters remain undeterred and continue testing different variables, such as the angle of the slide and the speed at which they release Buster from the top. They eventually manage to find a combination that works and send Buster flying down the slide, parachute billowing behind him.

Throughout the episode, the hosts test a variety of other myths related to airline safety, such as whether opening the emergency exit door can cause the cabin to depressurize, or whether throwing yourself on top of a bomb can save others in case of a terrorist attack. They use their signature blend of scientific rigour and playful curiosity to challenge these myths and shed light on some of the misconceptions that many people hold about airplane safety.

Overall, "Escape Slide-Parachute" is an entertaining and informative episode that highlights the importance of careful testing and rigorous experimentation when investigating myths. By tackling such a wide range of myths related to airline safety, the hosts are able to provide viewers with valuable insights into how airplanes work and what passengers can do to protect themselves in emergency situations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just curious about how things work, this episode is sure to fascinate and entertain.