The tilt -- based on its inventors and a book on landing gear design -- is to reduce the touchdown drag loads (spin-up force), which in turn allows for lighter structures.

Planes "tilt" or bank during landing primarily to combat crosswinds, a maneuver pilots call "wing-low" or "sideslip." When the wind is blowing perpendicular to the runway, the plane would be pushed off the centerline if it flew perfectly level. To stay on course, the pilot tilts the plane into the wind (lowering the upwind wing) while using the opposite rudder to keep the nose pointed straight down the runway. This allows the plane to "slip" sideways into the wind just enough to cancel out the drift. Consequently, the upwind landing gear often touches the ground slightly before the other side. You may also notice a plane "tilting" its nose up during the final seconds—this is the flare, which increases lift and slows the descent rate to ensure a smooth touchdown. In 2026, while many modern aircraft have automated landing systems, manual crosswind corrections remain a core skill for pilots to ensure passenger safety and comfort.