Definition
A landing made in a retractable-gear airplane with the landing gear not extended, so the airplane touches down on its underside (belly, flaps, propeller, and engine cowling) rather than on its wheels. It usually results from failure to lower the gear or from a mechanical malfunction that prevents extension.
Plain English
Landing the airplane without putting the wheels down, so it slides along the runway on its belly instead of rolling on its tires.
Context Anchor
Used in approach and landing discussions, especially for retractable-gear airplanes and abnormal landing situations.
Derivation
Gear originally means equipment or apparatus. In aviation, landing gear means the wheels, struts, and related parts that support the aircraft during landing and ground movement. Up means that this equipment is retracted or not in the landing position.
Why Pilots Care
A gear-up landing usually results in substantial aircraft damage, possible propeller strike, and an immediate safety incident that is almost always preventable through proper checklist discipline.
Grounding Statement
Picture a retractable-gear airplane touching the runway on its belly instead of rolling onto its wheels.
Intuition Check
Gear does not mean engine gears or personal equipment here; it means the aircraft’s landing gear. Up does not mean the airplane’s nose is high; it means the landing gear is retracted or not locked down for landing.
Example Sentence 1
After the gear motor failed and manual extension didn't work, the pilot briefed passengers and made a controlled gear up landing on the runway.
Example Sentence 2
After the gear-up landing, the instructor reviewed the pre-landing checklist flow with the student to identify the missed step.