How 'refuse to crash' technology would work

1. The flight computer is programmed to detect restricted areas such as cities and key government or military sites, using a Global Positioning System and digital maps of terrain. If the plane approaches a restricted area, the system would steer it away.

2. If the plane does an unsafe maneuver, an anti-crash system would engage, thus correcting a steep dive, rollover or if the plane flies too close to the ground.

3. Finally, the GPS data helps the plane locate the nearest airport where it would land under computer guidance or ground-based remote control.