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If you witness an air crash call 999 and tell the operator what you have seen. If possible, refer to the aircraft's location by reference to the nearest point of access.
Try to make notes of what you saw. The impact of what has occurred could cloud your memory later and cause you to forget important issues. If you can, note:
- The direction the aircraft came from (a basic North, East, South or West should do);
- The type of aircraft (you don't have to be an expert to provide valuable information - a small military single-engined jet, a two jet-engined small airliner, a light single propeller-engined trainer, a large four propeller-engined military aircraft are all useful descriptions);
- Was it on fire before it hit the ground?
- Did it appear to attempt a crash-landing?
- Is any other object involved (such as a building or vehicle)?
- Has the wreckage blocked any roads or railways?
- Were there any parachutes? If so, how many, and where did they land?
A burning aircraft, particularly military, releases toxic fumes and may explode. Many light aircraft carry ballistic recovery systems, which have explosive components, which must be considered live, so do not approach the aircraft. You should:
- Stay well clear;
and
- Keep upwind (i.e. the direction the wind is coming from so that any toxic fumes (which you may not be able to see) and/or smoke is blown away from you).
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