As American forces race against time to locate a missing fighter jet pilot, a retired Air Force general has explained how to survive if you are shot down. Former brigadier general Houston Cantwell said: 'The best intelligence you're going to get is as you're floating to the ground. Hitting the ground - even with a parachute - risks foot, ankle, and leg injuries, the former airman explained. 'There are many stories of survivors from Vietnam that had severe injuries - compound fractures - just from the ejection,' he said. American pilots do have a small kit in their ejection chair or on their flight suit to assist them.

Source: Daily Mail April 04, 2026 16:26 UTC