The opposite of the airplane metaphor is a bumpy landing.

Whatever it takes to get beyond illusion and back to reality, it's a bumpy landing when you get there.

And indeed, it was quite likely the bumpiest landing he had ever made.

After long moments, the boys touched down to a bumpy landing.

It was a bumpy landing, the pilot telling them that way: "Here you are and good riddance."

The harpy came down for a bumpy landing in the grass.

One way to avoid bumpy landings is to work the torso.

"Grab the survival kit and get ready for a bumpy landing."

It all happened so quickly that some passengers believed they had just experienced a particularly bumpy landing.

They made a bumpy landing and hurried toward the house.