More stress on low wing than high wing?

Question

Do the landings on a low wing, with the gear on the wing produce more strain on the wing than on a high wing where the gear is on the fuselage. I would be inclined to think that the spar on a low wing needs more consideration in airframe inspections. And would think that the wing won't last as long before failure in very high time airframes.

Answer 1

All airplanes must be certified by the FAA to be given an air worthiness classification.Most low wing aircraft house the wheelwells of the landing gear,and therefore must be strong enough to withstand the downforces when the plane lands.There are some low wing planes that house the landing gear in the fuselage.Either way,they must be strong enough to withstand structural damage to the fuselage when landing.Most high wing aircraft have fixed gear that use leafspring steel to absorb the forces of landing.

Answer 2

Definetly more stress on low wing like a Beech Bonanza.

Answer 3

I bet they thought of that when they built it.

Answer 4

If your not planning on 'bouncing it', it doesn't matter.

If you isolate the wing your correct.. but you have to build a complete package, so there are trade offs, strong & weak points with each design.

I've seen more skin wrinkled on the bellys of Cessnas with their 'spring gear' then on Pipers with their oleo struts where the stress can be obsorbed.

Answer 5

There are trade-offs in everything.  In a low wing airplane, the center section has to be more solidly built to allow for structural loads.  In a high-wing airplane with the landing gear mounted to the fuselage, the fuselage has to be more heavily built.

The bottom line is every type has to be strong enough to hold together.