Hard landings can be caused by weather conditions, mechanical problems, overweight aircraft, pilot decision and/or pilot error. The term hard landing usually implies that the pilot still has total or partial control over the aircraft, as opposed to an uncontrolled descent into terrain (a crash).

Landing is considered the most challenging phase of flight because it requires the pilot to manage a complex transition of energy and physics in a very short window of time. The pilot must decelerate a multi-ton aircraft from 150+ mph to a controlled stop while precisely aligning it with a narrow strip of concrete. Physics-wise, as the plane nears the ground, it enters "Ground Effect," where a cushion of air creates extra lift, causing the plane to "float" and making it harder to touch down at the intended spot. The pilot must also manage the "Flare," a delicate maneuver where they raise the nose at the last second to transfer the weight from the air to the landing gear smoothly. This is further complicated by crosswinds and wind shear, which can push the plane off the centerline, and the need to adjust engine thrust to maintain a perfect "glide slope." In 2026, while "Auto-Land" systems are common on large jets, pilots must still manually execute most landings to stay proficient, as human judgment is the ultimate safety layer for managing unpredictable environmental variables.