[GreenHornet]

I know nothing about aviation, but if I'm not mistaken, don't most plane crashes occur either shortly after takeoff, or as the plane is landing? If that's the case, it seems to me that, by the time the pilot realizes that a crash is imminent, there would not enough time for the parachute to be deployed. Also, the plane would be too low at that point for a parachute to be effective.

[bootless]

Unfortunately, one of the major causes of takeoff accidents is the departure of the pilot's actions from their training. Depending on the point during takeoff when you lose power (or whatever), some pilots attempts to turn back to the field (not even landing downwind, but going for the same direction as their takeoff!) too low or too close, instead of landing straight ahead, or if that's not possible, choosing a different place to set down.