What is Belly Landing?

Belly Landing refers to a type of emergency landing where an aircraft lands without the use of its landing gear. In other words, the aircraft touches down on its belly, the underside of the fuselage, rather than on its wheels. This type of landing is typically executed when there is a mechanical failure or malfunction in the landing gear system, or when the landing gear cannot be deployed properly for any other reason.

Here are the key points about belly landing:

1. Causes of Belly Landing:
   • Landing Gear Malfunction: The most common cause of a belly landing is a failure of the landing gear, which may not extend or lock properly.
   • Mechanical Failures: Sometimes, other mechanical failures in the aircraft’s systems, such as hydraulic or electrical malfunctions, may prevent the landing gear from operating.
   • Pilot Decision: In some cases, pilots may opt for a belly landing if they are aware that the landing gear cannot be deployed or there is a risk of it malfunctioning mid-flight.
2. Procedure:
   • Preparation: Before performing a belly landing, pilots will attempt to resolve the issue with the landing gear, if possible, or conduct a series of checks to ensure the aircraft is ready for such a landing. Pilots will also inform air traffic control (ATC) about the situation.
   • Fuel Management: Pilots may also try to burn off fuel or reduce weight to minimize the impact of the belly landing.
   • Landing Approach: The aircraft will be brought in for a controlled, slow approach, with the belly of the fuselage facing the runway. The plane will land gently to reduce the chances of structural damage.
3. Impact on the Aircraft:
   • Structural Damage: A belly landing usually results in significant damage to the aircraft’s belly, including possible damage to the fuselage, engines (if mounted under the wings), and other components that come into contact with the ground.
   • Fire Risk: There is a higher risk of fire because of the friction between the aircraft’s underside and the runway, which can cause sparks. Fuel lines and other systems can be damaged, potentially leading to fire.
   • Passenger Safety: Modern aircraft are designed to protect passengers during an emergency, and while a belly landing may cause injuries due to the impact, fatalities are rare if safety protocols are followed.
4. Examples of Belly Landings:
   • United Airlines Flight 232 (1989): One of the most well-known belly landings occurred with United Airlines Flight 232, where the aircraft’s hydraulic system failed, preventing normal control of the aircraft. The crew managed to land the plane on its belly, though it resulted in fatalities due to the severity of the crash.
   • Other Incidents: There have been other instances where aircraft have had to perform belly landings due to landing gear issues, such as mechanical failures or the inability to extend the gear, often with varying levels of damage but relatively few casualties.
5. Precautionary Measures and Design:
   • Aircraft are designed with specific features to make belly landings as safe as possible, including reinforced fuselage sections and fire-resistant materials.
   • Pilots are trained for such emergency scenarios, ensuring they can perform a belly landing in a controlled manner with minimal risk to passengers.