PilotDAR wrote:If you're going to hit a prop on the ground, don't feather it, for the reasons well given. It's wrecked in any case, but maybe sacrificing the prop, can prevent or reduce damage to the engine or airframe.
If you have to "crash" into something, I'd rather do it going forward. The aircraft is designed to restrain occupants for a 9G forward crash force, but only a 1.5G sideward force, and no factor rearward. If you groundloop, or otherwise change direction so that you hit not going forward, you greatly increase your chances of injury.
There comes a point, where a plane is going to be wrecked. If this sad outcome is certain, then use the plane to protect the occupants, by allowing it (or causing it) to absorb energy progressively.
There is an interesting article on line (can't find it right now) that suggests crash survivability is related to the amount of noise you make crashing! Lots of little bangs vs one big one is preferred.
