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Automatic beacons and accidental activation Aviatiion ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters) and vessel EPIRBs (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons) are highly sensitive electronic devices designed to automatically activate and transmit a signal under pre-determined conditions. For ELTs, this occurs when sensors in the beacon detect the shock of a plane crash. EPIRBs, on the other hand, are activated when the beacon is immersed in water as a result of a ship sinking, or tossed overboard by the user during a distress situation. They can also get triggered accidentally in non-distress situations. In the case of ELTs, inadvertent activations can be caused by extreme turbulence or hard landings. With EPIRBs, beacons can sometimes be accidentally activated through bracket failure or if washed overboard during heavy seas. However most accidental activations are the result of user error.
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