Approaching an airport for landing is one of the most critical phases of flight, requiring precise control of altitude, speed, and alignment. When a plane comes in too high for a landing, it poses a significant safety risk, as the aircraft may not be able to descend quickly enough to make a safe touchdown. A high approach can lead to a range of dangerous scenarios, from overrunning the runway to an aborted landing, and in some cases, even a crash. Understanding the risks of coming in too high for a landing is essential for pilots, air traffic controllers, and passengers alike to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to mitigate these dangers.
Runway Overrun and Insufficient Landing Distance
One of the most immediate dangers of coming in too high for a landing is the risk of a runway overrun. When a plane is too high on its final approach, the pilot may struggle to descend quickly enough to make contact with the runway at the correct point. Instead of touching down near the beginning of the runway, the aircraft may land much farther down, leaving insufficient distance for the plane to slow down and come to a complete stop. Given that modern aircraft require substantial runway lengths to safely decelerate, particularly when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, landing too far down the runway can lead to the aircraft running off the end.
A runway overrun is extremely dangerous, as it can result in the aircraft crashing into barriers, structures, or even terrain beyond the runway. In some cases, the aircraft may skid onto soft ground, which can cause the landing gear to collapse or result in the plane flipping over. For airports located near water, mountains, or other obstacles, the consequences of a runway overrun can be even more severe, putting the lives of everyone on board at great risk.
Increased Risk of Aborted Landings and Go-Arounds
When a plane approaches the runway too high, air traffic control (ATC) or the pilot may decide to abort the landing and initiate a go-around procedure. While go-arounds are a standard safety measure used when a landing cannot be safely completed, they introduce additional risks, particularly if not executed correctly. During a go-around, the pilot must rapidly ascend, adjust the flight path, and prepare for a second approach. This sudden shift in altitude and direction requires precise handling of the aircraft and can be particularly challenging in poor weather conditions, such as strong winds, low visibility, or turbulence.
Go-arounds place a high demand on the pilot, especially if the aborted landing occurs at a low altitude, close to the runway. In these situations, there is little room for error, and any miscalculation in controlling the aircraft’s climb or approach angle can lead to a stall or loss of control. Additionally, go-arounds can create air traffic congestion near the airport, increasing the risk of mid-air collisions if multiple planes are attempting to land or take off in the same area.
Increased Approach Speed and Hard Landings
When an aircraft comes in too high for a landing, the pilot may attempt to correct the altitude by descending rapidly. In doing so, the plane’s speed may increase, leading to a faster-than-normal approach to the runway. High-speed approaches are problematic because they reduce the amount of time the pilot has to make fine adjustments to the aircraft’s alignment, flare, and touchdown. The increased speed also means that the aircraft’s energy upon landing is higher, making it more difficult to bring the plane to a stop.
A fast or steep descent can result in a hard landing, where the plane impacts the runway with more force than intended. Hard landings can cause significant damage to the aircraft’s landing gear, tires, and fuselage, and may also injure passengers and crew inside the plane. In extreme cases, a hard landing can cause the landing gear to collapse, leading to a runway excursion or a serious crash. Even if the aircraft remains intact, hard landings can require the plane to be taken out of service for inspection and repairs, creating operational delays and additional costs.
Increased Stress and Workload for the Pilot
Coming in too high for a landing places additional stress and workload on the pilot, who must quickly assess the situation and make critical decisions to ensure the safety of the flight. Pilots must manage multiple tasks simultaneously during an approach, including controlling the plane’s speed, adjusting altitude, monitoring instruments, communicating with ATC, and preparing for touchdown. When a plane is too high, the pilot must act quickly to determine whether a safe landing can still be achieved or if a go-around is necessary.
This increased workload, particularly during the final moments of flight, can lead to mistakes or oversights. Pilots may become overwhelmed by the need to descend rapidly while maintaining control of the aircraft’s trajectory and speed. Fatigue, weather conditions, or distractions in the cockpit can further complicate the decision-making process, increasing the risk of an accident. In high-stress situations, pilots may misjudge the rate of descent, fail to align the aircraft properly with the runway, or delay the decision to abort the landing, all of which can result in a dangerous outcome.
Conclusion: Mitigating the Risks of High Approaches
Coming in too high for a landing is a serious risk that requires immediate and precise actions to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Runway overruns, hard landings, and aborted landings are just some of the potential dangers associated with high approaches, and pilots must be well-trained to handle these situations effectively. By closely monitoring altitude and speed during the final approach, maintaining communication with ATC, and making timely decisions to abort landings when necessary, pilots can mitigate the risks of a high approach and ensure a safe landing.
Airports can also help reduce the risks by providing pilots with clear and accurate approach guidance, including instrument landing systems (ILS) and runway visual aids that help pilots maintain the correct descent angle. By prioritizing safety and situational awareness, both pilots and air traffic controllers can work together to prevent the dangers associated with high approaches and ensure safe and successful landings
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. When it comes to aviation, safety must come first. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced aviation attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a crash. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.