Definition of crash landing

The term "crash landing" refers to an emergency landing of an aircraft that results in damage to the aircraft. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the early days of aviation in the 20th century. The first recorded use of the term "crash landing" appeared in an article published in the New York Times in 1919. The article reported on the successful crash landing of a Avro 504K aircraft by a British pilot named Major Alcock. The pilot had run out of fuel and was forced to attempt a landing in a field. Although the aircraft suffered significant damage, both the pilot and his passenger survived the incident. The term "crash landing" quickly gained popularity in aviation circles as more emergency landings occurred. The phrase came to represent a landing that was less than ideal due to circumstances beyond the pilot's control. It was used to describe landings that resulted in damage to the aircraft, but also ones that resulted in injuries to the passengers or crew. Today, the term "crash landing" is still used to describe emergency landings, but in popular culture, it often connotes a high-drama, dramatic event. This use is thanks in part to the many fictional depictions of crash landings in movies, television shows, and books. However, the true meaning of the term remains an emergency landing that results in damage to the aircraft.