Selecting a Suitable Field for the Emergency Landing
Chapter 16.4
Forced Landing at an Aerodrome
Amongst forced landings in a circuit, there are two cases:
- Engine failure after departure: this procedure is described in Chapter 11
- Forced landing from the circuit with a sufficient height for a return in a gliding flight: The low height generally does not allow the execution of the restart procedure.
You have the following means for flight path management:
- shorten the flight path to the runway
- deliberate use of flaps
- possibly landing in the opposite direction after declaring so on the RTF.
Forced Landing Outside an Aerodrome
A forced landing outside an aerodrome must be planned according to the current situation.
- search for a landing place in the surroundings
You should fly over the planned landing site if possible. It is the best way to determine the nature of the landing area and locate possible obstacles in the approach path and the landing surface.
Forced Landing Outside an Aerodrome
A forced landing outside an aerodrome must be planned according to the current situation.
- never land in a field «right in front of you»
The temptation to go straight ahead into a remote terrain often creates unpleasant surprises: because of the viewing angle, obstacles and unevenness of a distant terrain, such as ditches, fences and uneven terrain can only be distinguished during the final approach. Important changes to the approach or to the intended landing site are no longer possible at this time.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
Soil Structure and Vegetation
It takes a lot of experience to recognize the nature of the soil from a great height.
We can roughly distinguish between a meadow and a field. Each structure has its own peculiarities:
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
Soil Structure and Vegetation
If you have to land on cultivated land, care should be taken to find the lowest crop areas possible. It is preferable to land in a dense field of beets or salads rather than in a field of high cereals.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
Water
Water surfaces shall be considered for landing only when suitable land is not available on dry land.
If possible, place the airplane near the shore or a boat.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
Sloped Terrain
When the terrain is steep it is necessary to land in the direction of it’s climb, even with a moderate tailwind
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: Plateau
In this form of terrain we usually find large fields suitable for landing, some of which are small airfields.
The danger comes from the many power and telephone lines that often cross the fields perpendicularly, livestock pens are not visible from above.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: Jura / Pre-Alps
The structure of this landscape is very diverse, ranging from the gently sloping hills of the Jura plateau to the steep cliffs of the Jura mountains. In the main valleys the conditions are similar to those on the plateau, although the fields are generally smaller, and the slopes have a lot of forests.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: The Alps, in general
Steep rock faces, glaciers, rocky boulders and narrow valleys with small uneven fields characterize the landscape of the Alps. On very large areas there are no landing possibilities. Many valleys are crammed with cables. At times, extreme wind conditions (Foehn, anabatic wind and catabatic wind) are present.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: The Alps, Main Valleys
In the main valleys there are suitable fields, often located parallel to the rivers and they should be used for a forced landing.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: High Mountain, Glacier
The landing area and the technique must be chosen according to the situation. When there is sufficient height above the ground, a flatter and inhabited area can be reached by gliding.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: High Mountain, Glacier
Flat glaciers are indeed inviting landing areas. Great difficulties begin only after a successful landing.
Do not try to descend into the valley if you are neither equipped nor trained for it.
Suitability of Shape and Structure of the Ground for the Forced Landing
The Peculiarities of the Terrain in Switzerland: High Mountain, Glacier
Staying on a glacier involves enormous demands on the skills and behavior of the stranded crew and passengers. Without suitable equipment and good organisation it is high risk.