At around 17:00 on May 2, 2025, an R44 II helicopter (registration number B-7541) crashed from a height of about ten meters above the ground while flying back during a flight above the Aoshiting Fanhua Manor Scenic Area in Wuzhong District, Suzhou City. The accident injured 4 people on board and killed 1 person on the ground.
Safety Warning
If unfortunately there is a plane crash, you can try to use self-rescue methods.
Preparations before the Crash (if time permits)
Secure your body: Fasten your seat belt tightly, hold your head with both hands, and press your elbows against your knees to reduce impact injuries. If there is a collision avoidance posture prompt on the seat (such as the "BRACE" posture), follow the instructions.
Protect your head and cervical spine: Use thick clothing or seat cushions to protect your head and avoid whiplash injuries.
Remove loose items: Take off glasses and sharp accessories to prevent secondary injuries.
Coping with the Moment of the Crash
Maintain the collision avoidance posture: Lean forward, press your forehead against your knees, and cross your hands to protect the back of your head. Tighten your legs to avoid fractures.
Avoid excessive tension: Moderate muscle tension can reduce injuries, but stiffness may aggravate the damage.
Emergency Actions after the Crash
Escape quickly: Assess the environment: If water enters the cabin or there is a fire, you must evacuate within 30 seconds.
Release the seat belt: The helicopter seat belt needs to be pushed upwards to unlock (different from that of a car).
Escape along the emergency route: Identify the cabin door/emergency exit signs (usually fluorescent green). If the door is deformed, use an emergency axe to break the window (the four corners of the porthole are the most vulnerable).
Stay away from the wreckage: Run at least 100 meters in the upwind direction to avoid the risks of fuel leakage and explosion.
Coping with Special Scenarios
Crashing into water: Take off heavy clothing before swimming and use the buoyancy materials of the seat to assist in floating. If water enters the cabin quickly, wait until the internal and external water pressures are balanced before opening the door.
Crashing in the jungle/mountain area: Use an emergency whistle (in the survival kit) to send out high-frequency distress signals (the international code: SOS is three short, three long, and three short). Use the reflection of the lens during the day and a flashlight at night to attract rescue.
Important Reminders
Do not go back to retrieve your luggage! The golden escape time is only tens of seconds.
Crew instructions take priority: Pilots are professionally trained, and following their commands can increase the survival rate.