When a Pilot May Choose to Land Without Engaging the Landing Gear

Resilient aviation safety reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) consistently emphasize the importance of engaging the landing gear during a crash landing. However, certain situations necessitate an alternate approach, which can significantly impact the safety and integrity of the aircraft and its passengers. This article delves into specific scenarios where pilots might intentionally avoid engaging the landing gear.

High-profile Incidents

Consider the recent headline-making incident involving a Russian pilot who safely achieved a ditching in a cornfield. The pilot, after encountering a flock of seagulls, experienced total engine failure on takeoff. Despite the gear being down, the pilot opted to land gear up, ensuring a safer impact and fewer injuries. Such incidents underscore the importance of situational awareness and the need for flexible approaches to emergency landings.

Critical Factors for Choosing a Gearless Landing

When evaluating the decision to land without the landing gear, several critical factors come into play. Firstly, the condition of the landing surface significantly influences the choice. For instance, ditching or off-field landings on unimproved surfaces such as deserts, mud, snow, deep snow, loose gravel, or sand can pose substantial risks if the landing gear were to come into contact. The gear is not designed to withstand the forces and impacts associated with these unsteady conditions, which could lead to structural failure and post-impact fires.

Risk Assessment and Aircraft Type

The decision to land without the gear also hinges on the aircraft's design and type. For example, large commercial airliners such as those involved in the famous "Miracle on the Hudson" would have suffered catastrophic failure had the pilot engaged the landing gear during the emergency landing. The plane's wings and passenger cabin are not structured to withstand the forces generated by water or soft surface impact with wheels. Conversely, specialist aircraft designed for such conditions, like the C-130 Hercules, which can function as a Skibird (in snow) or Snowbird (specifically for snow), can safely land with their landing gear engaged due to their tailored design.

Impact on Landing Procedures

The methodology of landing without the gear differs based on the nature of the emergency. For example, in a water landing, landing with the wheels up ensures a smoother and more controlled descent. Upon impact, the aircraft's momentum is carefully managed to reduce the risk of cartwheeling and further damage to the fuselage. Similarly, in cases where only one side of the landing gear can be safely engaged, such as a single-engine failure upon a crosswind, a pilot may opt to land on the wheels on one side while minimizing the risk of a sharp turn or collapse.

Conclusion

In summary, while engaging the landing gear during a crash landing is typically the preferred option, there are situations where a pilot must make the judgment to land without the gear to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. These decisions are complex and require a deep understanding of the aircraft's design and the specific conditions of the emergency landing site.