How does aircraft design contribute to passenger survival in emergency landings?

Aircraft design plays a crucial role in passenger survival during emergencies. Modern planes are engineered with safety features that protect occupants during hard landings or crashes, including a fuselage designed to maintain its structural integrity upon impact. This intact cabin structure creates a survivable space for passengers while absorbing crash forces. The design philosophy incorporates elements like engines that shear away during impact rather than puncturing the cabin, and seats constructed to withstand substantial forces while keeping passengers secure. These engineering considerations work alongside crew protocols and passenger compliance with safety measures like seatbelt usage to maximize survival chances in aviation incidents.