Plain English Meaning

Starting the level-off too low or pulling back too quickly when trying to land. Either mistake makes the landing rough or unsafe because the airplane doesn't have time or smoothness to settle gently onto the runway.

Full Definition

A landing error in which the pilot begins the round-out (the transition from descent to level flight just above the runway) too late or performs it too abruptly, resulting in excessive pitch-up, a hard landing, a balloon, or insufficient time to arrest the descent before touchdown.

Context Anchor

Encountered during landing practice, especially while learning the moments before touchdown.