How do military jet pilots survive ejection at 500 miles per hour? What makes the cabin of many modern commercial planes potentially lethal? What is the most deadly element of a plane crash? How will past airplane tragedies reduce future fatalities? NOVA offers these answers and more in the fascinating evolution of aircraft and passenger safety.

There will always be aircraft accidents. The goal is finding ways to make them survivable. See aviation history come to life through authentic re-creations, rare archival footage and insightful interviews. From the invention of the parachute to the aerial peril of early dogfights, through today's ultra-modern safety systems. Meet the human guinea pig who endured punishing ejection-system tests. Hear test pilot Joe Kittinger recall the experience of free-falling at speeds up to 700 miles per hour! Listen to the terrifying stories of crash survivors and much more.

NOVA''s Escape! series captures the remarkable-- and sometimes tragic—evolution of life-saving technology in four definitive programs: Fire, Car Crash, Plane Crash and Abandon Ship.