What is the response when an aircraft is seconds away from a life-ending impact?

When an aircraft is seconds away from a life-ending impact, the appropriate response is time-critical ejection. This decision is based on the urgent need to exit the aircraft quickly to ensure survival, as the likelihood of a crash or catastrophic failure leaves little time for alternative actions. The time-critical ejection is characterized by its immediacy, requiring the pilot to prioritize personal safety above all else.

Controlled (planned) ejection and emergency landing attempts are typically more suitable in situations where there is some degree of control or time to safely execute these maneuvers. However, in scenarios where impact is imminent, these options become impractical. Ejection not recommended applies to cases where it is safer to remain in the aircraft, but this is not the case in a situation where a life-ending impact is just seconds away.