Belly landing, also known as gear-up landing, is an emergency aviation procedure in which an aircraft lands without extending its landing gear. This article explains the meaning, causes, risks, and situations in which belly landing is carried out in a simple and exam-friendly manner. It also covers related aviation terms such as ditching and landing long and fast. The role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as India’s civil aviation regulator is clearly explained. The topic is important for UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Banking, Railways, and other competitive exams, especially under Current Affairs, Science & Technology, Disaster Management, and Transport sections. Clear language, structured points, and conceptual clarity make this article useful for prelims revision and mains answer writing.
Belly Landing (Gear-Up Landing)
What is Belly Landing?
A belly landing, also called a gear-up landing, is an emergency landing in which an aircraft lands without deploying its landing gear. It is used only as a last resort when pilots cannot extend the landing gear due to technical or mechanical failure.
Why is Belly Landing Risky?
- Causes heavy damage to aircraft engines and wings
- Aircraft skids on the runway, risking fire due to friction and sparks
- Possibility of injuries to passengers and crew
When Do Pilots Decide for Belly Landing?
- Landing gear fails to deploy
- Aircraft cannot reach an airport and lands in an open field
- When skidding is considered safer than landing on wheels
Related Aviation Terms
- Ditching: Emergency landing of an aircraft on water
- Landing Long and Fast: Aircraft touches down far beyond the touchdown zone at high speed
What is DGCA?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s national aviation regulator, responsible for aviation safety, airworthiness, pilot training, and airline licensing.
