What defines a hard landing?

A hard landing refers to a marked economic slowdown or downturn following a period of rapid growth. The term hard landing comes from aviation, where it refers to the kind of high-speed landing that—while not an actual crash—is a source of stress as well as potential damage and injury.



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A hard landing occurs when an aircraft or spacecraft hits the ground with a greater vertical speed and force than in a normal landing. Landing is the final phase in flight, in which the aircraft returns to the ground.

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Additionally, Ryanair planes tend to have smaller wingspans than other aircrafts which can lead them into more turbulent air during descent and cause harder landings.

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In this situation attempting a smooth landing would increase the chances of overrunning the runway. Firm landings are the way to go to slow the plane down faster and to get off the runway sooner. Especially when it's raining outside, firm landings are more so desirable.

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The most common cause of a hard landing is an unstable approach. Amongst other reasons, these can occur due to tailwind, a rushed approach, an attempt to comply with an overly demanding air traffic control clearance, adverse weather conditions or the improper use of automation.

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For example, according to this video by Mentour Pilot, the threshold for the Boeing 737 is 2.1g (peak recorded load factor) at touchdown, whereas it is 2.6g for A320 according to this source.

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For example, according to this video by Mentour Pilot, the threshold for the Boeing 737 is 2.1g (peak recorded load factor) at touchdown, whereas it is 2.6g for A320 according to this source.

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If the runway is wet, slippery, or icy then it is normal to make a firmer landing. This will lessen the chance of skidding or hydroplaning and spin the tires quicker. In foggy, or even dark, conditions this is an issue too. It can be harder to judge distances visually and again a firmer landing can be safer.

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Every airliner has to figure out how to fit its landing gear into its fuselage. The Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 both have big, beefy, complex gear that has to rotate, twist, bend, and do yoga to get into its allocated space.

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Discussion: In some cases pilots may need to reject a landing due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions which reduce the visibility required for a safe landing.

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Pilots often refer to hard landings using terminology usually associated with carrier landings, such as welcome aboard or caught the 3-wire or something similar.

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The most common reason for an aborted approach or landing is insufficient visibility due to rain, snow, fog, or low clouds. Here are some other reasons (my experience): The airplane was not stabilized at 1,000 feet above the runway.

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When an aircraft is unable to touch down with its landing gear fully extended it must perform a gear-up or belly landing. Such a landing does carry a small risk - there is likely to be damage to the aircraft; it could conceivably catch fire or flip over if it lands too hard.

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