maintain proper aircraft attitude. It may also preclude  the loss of one wing, which invariably leads to a more  rapid and less predictable descent to the ground. Preflight planning for any flight where a water landing is  possible should include personal flotation devices for the  pilot and occupants. A hook knife should also be accessible  for the pilot and passenger. A beach or landing spot where  an emergency landing can be made on land, is preferred  to landing in water. If a water landing must be made,  the aircraft should be positioned close to land in shallow  water, if possible, preferably four to five feet deep to use  as a cushion but still deep enough to stand in with the head  above water. With any altitude above the water, preparations should be  made to get rid of any items that would make it more diffi cult  to exit the WSC aircraft and swim once it enters the water.  This would include removing boots for swimming, discarding  any camera lanyards, headphones, or other unnecessary  items that could hinder the exit from the WSC aircraft once  underwater.  There are not many actual accounts of WSC aircraft ditching  in water, but all accounts at stalling above the water or fl ying  it in at minimum controlled airspeed stops the WSC aircraft  abruptly and puts the occupants under water immediately.  Depending on the speed, the WSC could tumble over the  water before stopping. Another account of a BPS deployment  provided a successful entry into the water. In any event,  the pilot and passenger would most likely be under water  immediately and disorientated. There are two alternate  techniques that have been successfully used for ditching in  the water: With a stronger wind, flying to the water and stalling just  above the surface is a viable alternative to landing in the  water. It has been done a number of times successfully. The  WSC aircraft should be flown directly into the wind to slow  down the groundspeed as much as practical. Once the wheels  are close to the water surface just above minimum controlled  Other items specific to unique terrain and climate zone should  also be considered. For mountain terrain, a saw, shovel,  water purifier, and 100-foot rope would be appropriate. For  In the case of flying cross-country or over remote areas,  emergency equipment should be carried for a possible  extended period of being stranded. In addition to the basics  listed above, suplies for the appropriate time in the elements  should be carried. Survival gear for protection from the  elements should include clothing for hot and cold climates,  as applicable. Without proper clothing, someone can die  within hours from hypothermia or heat exhaustion. Water  is also very important for survival. Food is important, but a  person can survive over a week without it. Additional items  to include are a knife, signal mirror, extra portable radio and  batteries, emergency smoke/flares, and a large space blanket  doubling as tarp.  Once in the water, immediately release the seat belt, free  yourself and passenger of any restrictions, and swim to the  surface. If disoriented, swim toward light or follow bubbles  upward to the surface. The WSC will be sinking, so escape  must be made quickly. The control bar must be pushed  forward at all costs to release the pilot to exit the aircraft  and swim to the surface. The forces of the water could push  the control bar back and pin the front seat/pilot into the seat.  If the landing is in shallow water, the pressure pinning the  pilot into the seat may stop when the WSC aircraft sinks to  the bottom.  An alternate water landing technique is to use the BPS. This  should not be used in calm winds because the parachute  would come down over the WSC aircraft and the lines could  entangle the occupants during the escape. A slight breeze or  greater wind (some ripples on the water) is needed for this  technique so the parachute does not come down directly  onto the WSC aircraft. Use the BPS deployment technique  discussed earlier. Take a deep breath and hold it before  hitting the water. airspeed, abruptly push the control bar out to enter the water  at the slowest speed possible. Take a deep breath and hold it  before hitting the water. •  If heavy tree trunk contact is unavoidable once the  aircraft is on the ground, it is best to involve both  wings simultaneously by directing the aircraft between  two properly spaced trees. However, do not attempt  this maneuver while still airborne. •  Flying to the water and stalling just above the  surface •  Using the BPS For any flight away from the airport, basic supplies should be  carried in case there is engine failure. At a minimum, supplies  should include a mobile phone/radio for retrieval, clothes  appropriate for the environment, ropes to tie down the WSC  aircraft, cash/valid credit cards, and food/water.  Water Landings ( Ditching) Using the BPS Once Under Water in the WSC Aircraft  Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear Stalling Just Above the Water’s Surface 13-8