Cathay Pacific's Boeing 747 experienced a hard landing

A Cathay Pacific Cargo flight had a hard landing in Guadalajara, Mexico, on March 7. The Boeing 747-867F, operating as flight CX97, landed on runway 29R after arriving from Mexico City. Engineers inspected the aircraft before it continued its journey to Anchorage, Alaska. The plane, which has been with Cathay Pacific since 2012, is powered by four General Electric engines. Hard landings can occur due to several factors, including pilot skill, speed on approach, and weather conditions. Pilots must manage their speed and approach carefully to land smoothly. In this instance, the flight might have come in at a speed that was five to 15 knots too fast. A hard landing means touching down with greater force, which can stress the aircraft. If such landings happen repeatedly, they can lead to structural damage. Weather, pilot control, and mechanical issues can all affect landing performance. Hard landings not only impact the safety of passengers but also lead to increased maintenance costs for airlines. Pilots are encouraged to continue training in various conditions to improve their landing skills. Airports can also adopt new technologies to improve safety. This includes weather detection systems that help pilots anticipate difficult conditions during landing. Through better training and technology, the aviation industry aims to enhance the safety and reliability of air travel.