Why Do Planes Bounce on Landing? Understanding the Reasons, Safety and Common Occurrence

Have you ever wondered why planes bounce on landing? This bouncing can be a result of several factors, and while it may seem alarming to those on board, it is actually a relatively common occurrence. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, the safety measures in place, and the extent to which bouncing affects the plane and its components.

The Reasons for Bouncing During Landing

Poor Pilot Technique:

Flaring too high: When a pilot flares the plane too high, the wings may stall, causing the plane to suddenly drop onto the runway. Flaring too late/low: Flaring later or too low can result in a high descent rate, leading to a harder landing. No flaring at all: If the pilot does not flare, the plane may land heavily, causing a bounce.

Wind Conditions:

Wind Shear: Abrupt changes in wind direction or speed can cause the wings to lose lift, leading to a bouncy landing. Quickly changing gusts: Gusty winds can make it difficult for the plane to maintain a smooth landing.

Common Factors Contributing to Bouncing

The bounce experienced during landing is often a byproduct of the pilot's technique and the prevailing wind conditions. However, it's important to note that even the best pilots can face challenging conditions. The bouncing can be attributed to several factors including:

Uneven Runways: Landing on a bumpy or uneven runway can cause the plane to bounce. Heavy Ice Buildup: Accumulation of ice on the plane's surface can interfere with its ability to descend and flare normally. Strong Crosswinds: Crosswinds can make the landing less predictable, leading to a rough touchdown.

Impact on the Plane and Engine

Although planes are designed to handle bouncy landings, excessive bouncing can still cause damage. Modern aircraft are equipped with landing gears that have built-in shocks to absorb the impact, but if the bouncing is significant, it can still damage the plane's components. Here are some potential issues associated with bouncy landings:

Aircraft Damage

Propeller Strike: A bouncy landing can cause the propeller to strike the ground, requiring inspection or even replacement of the propeller. Engine Inspection: The engine may need to be inspected or rebuilt, even if the landing gear appears undamaged.

Severe Damage

Sheet Metal Damage: An extremely hard landing can result in cracks or punctures in the plane's sheet metal. For example, a poorly executed landing by a plane renter at an airport flight school led to significant damage to the landing gear, causing cracks and near-punctures in the wings.

Conclusion and Safety Measures

Although bouncing on landing can be alarming, it is generally considered a normal and common occurrence. The aircraft's landing gears are designed to withstand such impacts, and pilots are trained to handle bouncy landings. However, if the bouncing is excessive, it's crucial to inform the flight crew after landing so they can assess the situation.

In the rare cases where bouncing causes significant damage, it's important to report it to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of future passengers and pilots.