TM 55-1510-219-10
9-33. DITCHING.
If a decision to ditch is made, immediately
alert all crewmembers to prepare for ditching. Plan
the approach into the wind if the wind is high and the
seas are heavy. If the swells are heavy but the wind
is light, land parallel to the swells. Set up a minimum
rate descent (power on or off, as the situation
dictates airspeed 110-120 KIAS). Do not try to flare
as in a normal landing, as it is very difficult to judge
altitude over water, particularly in a slick sea.
Leveling off too high may cause a nose low "drop in,"
while having the tail too low on impact may result in
the aircraft pitching forward and "digging in. " Expect
more than one impact shock and several skips
before the final hard shock. There may be nothing
but spray visible for several seconds while the
aircraft is decelerating. To prevent cartwheeling, it is
important that the wings be level when the aircraft
hits the water. After the aircraft is at rest, supervise
evacuation of passengers and exit the aircraft as
quickly as possible. In a planned ditching, the life
raft and first-aid kits should be secured close to the
cabin emergency hatch for easy access when
evacuating; however, do not remove the raft from its
carrying case inside the aircraft. After exiting the
aircraft, keep the raft away from any damaged
surfaces which might tear or puncture the fabric.
The length of time that the aircraft will float depends
on the fuel level and the extent of aircraft damage
caused by the ditching. Refer to Figure 9-3 for body
positions during ditching, and Table 9-1 for personnel
procedures.
Figure
9-4
shows
wind
swell
information. Perform the following procedures:
WARNING
Do not unstrap from the seat
until all motion stops. The
possibility
of
injury
and
disorientation
requires
that
evacuation not be attempted
until the aircraft comes to a
complete stop.
1.
Radio calls/transponder-As required.
2.
Crew emergency briefing-As required.
3.
Bleed air valves-ENVIRO OFF.
4.
Cabin pressurization switch-DUMP.
5.
Cabin emergency hatch-Remove and stow.
6.
Seat belts and harnesses-Secured.
7.
Gear-UP.
8.
Flaps-DOWN.
9.
Nonessential electrical equipment-OFF.
10.
Approach-Normal, power on.
11.
Emergency lights-As required. Ditching
9-34. FLIGHT CONTROLS MALFUNCTION.
Use the following procedures, as applicable,
for flight control malfunctions.
a.
Unscheduled
Rudder
Boost
Activation.
Rudder boost operation without a large variation of
power between engines indicates a failure of the
system. Perform the following:
1.
Rudder boost-OFF.
NOTE
The rudder boost system may
not operate when the brake
deice
system
is
in
use.
Availability of the rudder boost
system will be restored to
normal
when
the
BRAKE
DEICE switch is turned OFF.
IF CONDITION PERSISTS:
2.
Bleed air valve switches-PNEU &
ENVIRO-OFF.
3.
Rudder trim-Adjust.
b.
Unscheduled Electric Elevator Trim. In the
event of unscheduled electric elevator trim, perform
the following:
1.
ELEV TRIM switch OFF.
2.
ELEC TRIM circuit breaker OUT.
9-35. BAILOUT.
When the decision has been made to
abandon the aircraft in flight. the pilot will give the
warning signal. Exit from the aircraft will be through
the main entrance door, and in the departure
sequence using the exit routes as indicated in Figure
9-1. Proceed as follows if bailout becomes
necessary:
1.
Notify copilot to prepare to bail out.
2.
Distress message Transmit.
3.
Voice security ZEROIZE.
9-14