Which of the following is a common landing gear malfunction that could impact flight safety?

The failure to extend the landing gear prior to landing is a significant safety concern because it directly affects the aircraft's ability to land safely. Proper landing gear extension is critical in ensuring that the aircraft has a suitable landing configuration, which provides the necessary support and stability when making contact with the runway. If the gear fails to extend, the aircraft could attempt to land without the necessary support, leading to a higher risk of damage to the aircraft, potential injury to passengers and crew, or catastrophic failure.

This scenario is particularly dangerous as it may occur during a critical phase of flight where altitude is low, and there is limited time to react. Pilots are trained to recognize the signs of landing gear malfunctions, but failure to extend the gear adds an additional layer of complexity to landing procedures. Thus, addressing this malfunction is vital for maintaining flight safety.