How a Soldier Can Fall Out of a Helicopter Evenly Though Strapped in: A Scriptwriting Example

In the realm of fiction, it’s entirely plausible for a soldier to fall out of a damaged helicopter, even when strapped to the seat. This can be achieved by carefully crafting the details of the scene to create a dramatic twist that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Here’s how you can write such a scene:

INT. HELICOPTER - NIGHT

The helicopter spins violently out of control, its bright green hull glowing under the moonlight. Fierce winds buffet the cabin, and the sound of dodging bullets fills the cockpit. Amidst the chaos, SGT. JAMES “MAC” MACKENZIE, an experienced soldier, is the last one left alive. He sees the side of a sheer mountain approaching quickly.

Sgt. Mackenzie

The helicopter is getting closer to the ground, and his heart races with every twist and turn of the blades. He feels the straps digging into his chest. In his mind, he has only one thought: get out of this thing before it crashes into the mountain.

(He struggles to dislodge the straps, but the g-forces are making it nearly impossible.)

SGT. JAMES “MAC” MACKENZIE - THINKING

No time for that. The g-forces are too powerful. He grabs the tactical knife from his vest and slices through the strap, the metal cutting tool slicing through the nylon like butter under the intense pressure.

Sgt. Mackenzie (Gravelly)

(Struggling, gritting his teeth) “Hang on, hang on…”

The helicopter is now at a steep angle, and the warning bells inside the cockpit blare loudly. (WARNING SOUNDS BLARES)

EXT. MOUNTAIN - SAME

(Close-up of the side of a steep mountain) Just ahead, the mountain looms, its jagged rocks slicing through the air like a jagged knife. The helicopter is almost there, and everyone onboard can feel the impending doom. The heavy, spinning rotor starts to tear through the cabin.

(The helicopter hits the mountain, and the spins of the rotor tear through the fuselage with a sickening metallic creak and bang.)

(Fuel tanks explode, and the helicopter fuel and rotors ignite, sending a plume of flames into the night sky.)

A short distance away, a rotor stake from the helicopter buries itself in the ground, spitting dirt and fragments in all directions.

(Silence reigns for a moment, then a flicker of movement. Sgt. Mackenzie struggles to free himself from the rotors that have pierced his backpack, tearing the radio within.)

Sgt. Mackenzie (Strained Breath)

(Breathing heavily, squeezing his eyes shut) “ the radio… got to get out...”

Despite the force of his fall and the speed of the helicopter, Sgt. Mackenzie manages to free himself from the wreckage. He barely makes it to the top of the cliff, where he collapses, only to realize his worst fear: his radio, his lifeline to command, is destroyed. But in the moment, he feels a surge of survival, a piercing beacon of hope.

(A split second of silence, then a dramatic pause, and the first sound of the wilderness - wind, birds, the rustling of leaves.)

POTENTIAL SEQUEL SCENES

(This sequence could lead directly into a series of survival scenes, where Mackenzie must rely on his wits, weaponry, and training to stay alive in the wild until he can find help.)

Why This Works in Fiction

This scene works well for fiction because it creates tension and a sense of unpredictability. By having the soldier narrowly escape a potentially fatal situation, you can add layers of drama and suspense. It also provides a strong emotional moment, showing the character’s resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Conclusion

So, when you're writing a script and need to make something happen that might seem impossible in real life, let your imagination run wild. Use the tools of fiction to create a believable, thrilling, and dramatic sequence. Follow the Tao of Screenwriting/Movies/TV for more insights, questions, and inspiration on the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking.

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