Emergency Landing: Guidance for Controllers | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
: Even a "successful" belly landing often results in significant structural damage to the aircraft's underside and engines. Notable Examples
: Friction between the fuselage and the runway creates intense heat and sparks, which can ignite fuel. belly-land
: It is common practice to shut down engines just before touchdown to prevent engine damage or a spinning propeller from striking the ground.
: The goal is a steady approach with a slight nose-up attitude so the rear of the fuselage touches first, spreading out the impact. : The goal is a steady approach with
A belly landing—also known as a —is an emergency maneuver where an aircraft lands on its underside. This usually happens when the landing gear fails to extend or lock properly due to a mechanical malfunction.
: Pilots secure the cabin, brief passengers on the brace position, and shut down non-essential systems to minimize fire risks. : Pilots secure the cabin, brief passengers on
: While some experts suggest grass can cause a plane to dig in and flip, many pilots aim for a smooth, hard runway surface to maintain better directional control.