(Video) Harrier Lands on "Stool" After Front Gear Failure, Interview With Pilot

I suspect the normal landing is to get to a minimum height and then reduce power 10% or so. That would get the jet down quickly but not dangerously fast, but it also would avoid higher thrust settings and FOD. It would also prevent over powering back into a slow climb and starting PIOs.

Had heard one report that was praising the "Sargent" who came up with this solution. However, I suspect this is standard equipment that is always around when Harriers are assigned to any ship. Most aircraft have specific jack points so that landing gear retraction testing/repairs can be done. A 'pillow' is probably easier to position in a hostile environment than trying to find a six inch 'hard point'! ;-) The vid does point out the sturdy airframe, however!! Two thumbs up!!

You could say he completed a STOL stool landing...

I'm not surprised the nose bounced on the "stool" - Harriers always seem to drop like a rock those last few feet. Good job - nicely done - live to fly another day.

Great Video

Heavy front end....I would have thought it 'should' have been softer than that after all Hans Solo.....er....Harrison Ford landed softer without an engine!

Posted some time ago.