Definition
An emergency landing technique used when no clear landing area is available, in which the pilot deliberately uses the tops of trees to absorb the airplane's energy during touchdown. The airplane is flown into the treetops at minimum controllable airspeed, in a slightly nose-high attitude with wings level, allowing the foliage and branches to slow the aircraft progressively before it settles into the canopy.
Plain English
If you have to come down and there's nothing but forest below, the safest option is often to fly into the tops of the trees on purpose, slowly and under control. The branches act like a giant cushion that slows the airplane down before it stops.
Context Anchor
Encountered in emergency landing guidance, especially when an engine failure or forced landing leaves only wooded terrain within reach.
Why Pilots Care
Choosing trees over open ground or water can significantly lower impact forces and improve survival odds when no suitable landing area exists.
Grounding Statement
Picture a pilot who cannot reach open ground and chooses the softest-looking, most level treetop area while keeping the airplane slow and controlled.
Intuition Check
A tree landing does not mean accidentally crashing into trees after losing control. In this context, it means a deliberate emergency choice to land into trees when there is no safer option.
Example Sentence 1
With the engine out and only forest below, the pilot briefed the passengers and set up for a tree landing at minimum controllable airspeed.
Example Sentence 2
The checklist for a tree landing calls for full flaps and a controlled descent into the densest portion of the canopy.