Provided that the wheel load and configuration of the landing gear remain unchanged , the weight and volume of the tire will decrease with an increase in inflation pressure . From the flotation standpoint , a decrease in the tire contact area will induce a higher bearing stress on the pavement , thus eliminates certain airports from the aircraft 's operational bases . Braking will also become less effective due to a reduction in the frictional force between the tires and the ground . In addition , the decrease in the size of the tire , and hence the size of the wheel , could pose a problem if internal brakes are to be fitted inside the wheel rims . The arguments against higher pressure are of such a nature that commercial operators generally prefer the lower pressures in order to maximize tire life and minimize runway stress . To prevent punctures from stones Philippine Airlines had to operate their Hawker Siddeley 748 aircraft with pressures as low as the tire manufacturer would permit . However , too low a pressure can lead to an accident as in the Nigeria Airways Flight 2120
Nigeria Airways Flight 2120
Nigeria Airways Flight 2120
Landing gear