What are ‘hard landings’ and why are they concerns?

Hard landings are defined as landings that exert excessive force on the aircraft structure during touchdown. This situation arises when the aircraft descends at a high rate of speed or with an improper angle of approach, resulting in a jarring impact upon contact with the runway. The concern with hard landings lies in the potential damage they can cause to various components of the aircraft, including the landing gear, fuselage, and wings, which can lead to costly repairs and potentially compromise the safety of the aircraft.

Unlike other types of landings, a hard landing does not optimize fuel efficiency, nor does it require additional runway space in a manner that would specifically address the landing's nature. Hard landings are primarily a structural issue rather than an operational one like clearance issues, thus making the understanding of excessive force critical in ensuring the aircraft's integrity and safety during its operation.