Is it possible for someone to fly out of a ferris wheel?

Question

So I'm writing a murder mystery book and the victim dies when a ferris wheel is rigged to stop suddenly and he flies out but is that physically possible? It takes place in the 1980s so it's an older ferris wheel and if necessary the ferris wheel could go faster than normal because the fair its at is supposed to be pretty sketchy. So how fast would the ferris wheel need to go for someone to fly out of a cart at the top when the wheel suddenly stops?

Answer 1

This is a great idea for a murder mystery! Yes, someone could realistically fly out of a Ferris wheel cart, but it depends on a few factors: the wheel’s speed, the cart’s design, and how abruptly the wheel stops. Here’s a breakdown:

Key Factors

1. Centrifugal Force & Inertia: Faster motion increases outward force. If the wheel stops suddenly, a passenger’s body continues moving forward due to inertia.
2. Cart Design: Open or shallow carts without restraints make it easier for someone to fly out.
3. Speed: A typical Ferris wheel moves at 0.5–1 m/s, but tampering could increase speed to 6–8 m/s for dramatic effect.

How to Make It Realistic

1. Increased Speed: The Ferris wheel could be rigged to run faster than normal.
2. Abrupt Stop: A sudden halt (from mechanical failure or sabotage) would amplify inertia.
3. Unsafe Carts: Old, poorly maintained carts with low sides or loose bolts make ejection plausible.

Extra Details to Enhance the Scene

1. Sabotaged Cart: The bolts could be loosened, causing the cart to tilt or break during the stop.
2. Passenger Actions: If the victim stands or leans out, they’re more likely to be thrown.

Rig the wheel to spin faster, stop suddenly, and ensure the cart’s design or condition makes it plausible for the victim to fly out.