Comment by SJC_Hacker
2 days ago
The only solution I can think of is emergency parachutes. Like lots of them. would also be useful for other types of in air engine/control failures.
At least it worked for me on Kerbal Space Program. At least sometimes.
This is an actual thing on smaller aircraft: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrus_Airframe_Parachute_Sy...
There's precedent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_8qCTAjsDg [30s]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT58pzY41wA [15m]
The Cirrus system is deployed by rockets, allowing it to function at a very low altitude. They say that you should deploy it no matter what altitude you are at, and it will add at least some friction. The system has a very impressive track record.
However, at this altitude, with an airplane this heavy, you might have to put the rockets on the plane to decelerate enough to save lives.
This is for a tiny aircraft, not a jumbo jet. SF50 and the Honda Jet can autoland too.
Edit: I recently saw an SF50 YT video. It's pretty awesome with the V/X tail.
Wouldn't be able to save a fully-loaded 787 in low & slow conditions because the area of canopies needed to deploy would be several acres. And they'd add several tonnes.