Inspection after heavy landing.

Aircraft landing gears are designed to withstand landing at particular weight and vertical descent
velocity . If these designed limits are exceeded then the integrity of the structure are compromise and
the safety is impaired. After heavy landing aircraft go through inspection according the Aircraft
Maintenance Manual. Below I have outlined some of the checks.

Before proceeding with the checks good practice to check the records to eliminate any previous damage
which may have been recorded. Inspection should include through visual examination of the aircraft for
distortion and twisting. Some aircraft are fitted with accelerometer which gives a visual indication of 'G"
force exceeded.

The damage expected would be around the landing gear and its supporting structure. Therefore
examine the tyres for excessive creep, flat , bulges, cuts ,pressure loss etc. Wheels, axles, struts and
brakes for cracks and distortion. Shock struts and wheels for scorings and fluid leakage. Landing gear
attachments should have no signs of cracks, damage or movement. Sometimes it may require removal
of certain bolts in critical location for Magnetic crack detection test.

Through visual inspection should be carried out on structure near landing gear attachment for sign of
cracks distortion movement of rivets .The LD Doors and fairings should bear no damage and
distortion. Jack the aircraft and carry out retraction test in accordance with maintenance manual,
correct operation of locks and warning lights indication should come up ,clearance in wheel bay
should be adequate.

Examine main plane and tail plane attachment to the fuselage. Make sure upper skin surface have no
sign of pulled rivets, cracks, and movement of skin joints. And lower skin surface for wrinkling and
distortion due to inertia loading on the wing. There should be no fuel leakage for the tank. Check on
the wing includes wing spars for distortion and cracks. Also examine tail plain attachment

Check all the Control surfaces including slats, slots and flaps aileron rudder elevator for cracks
,buckling , freedom of movement and its functional operation.

On the fuselage side check fuselage skin for wrinkling and other damage, Pressure bulkhead for
distortion and cracks , duct and system pipes for damage , security and fluid leakage. Also check
condition of cargo restraint system. In the cabin access doors, emergency exists, overhead stowage
for security and anomaly. On the cockpit side power on the battery check the instrument and
instrument panels for damage and security especially the analog instruments . Gyroscopic instruments
should be check for their erection time, precession and unusual noise.

On the engine side examine pylons and cowlings for damages.THE Engine are generally affected by
liertia loading. On Propeller aircraft the propeller shaft should bear no shock loading damages . Free
turbine engines and propeller should have freedom of rotation .Engine control should have freedom
of movement. If all checks are satisfactory then do a ground run check and check for oil and hydraulic
leakage. Also check the rundown time check of engine.
If some damage is found during inspection then rigging and symmetry check should be carried out for
twist and wrapped of whole aircraft. Sometimes cabin leak rate check is also to be carried out.

PROVIDED no major distortion has been found aircraft can be release for the further flights.