in the event of/in case of

[navi tasan]

1) The pilot's seat is ejectable and equipped with a parachute, in case of an accident.
2) The pilot's seat is ejectable and equipped with a parachute, in the event of an accident.

I think both sentences are correct and mean exactly the same. Is that right? Is there any difference at all between the two expressions 'in case of' and 'in the event of'?

Gratefully,
Navi

 

[emsr2d2]

No. The first makes it clear that the ejector seat and parachute are already in place, just in case an accident occurs. The second suggests that the plane has an ejector seat and parachute only if/when an accident occurs. That's not true. The seat has those qualities whether there's an accident or not.

In the event of an accident, the pilot should press the big red button to activate the ejector seat and parachute.