Procedural? question for Commerdcial pilots

[Valoran]

Is there a benefit to belly landing on a hard surface rather than a soft one such as grass or sand? Wouldn't there be less danger of fire if
the plane bellied in on a length of soft sand or recently watered grass. Or...would the soft surface actually grab at the plane and break it
up quicker? Just a question and chance for community discussion.

Perhaps large airports should keep a length of infield free of taxiways for just that purpose? Sort of like one of those runaway truck ramps
you see on the downside of mountain passes here in the states.

[KenG]

It is a matter of opinion but generally you got it. The runway is a long clear and generally flat and level surface clear of obstacles for the
airplane to get hung up on. Add to the factor if you have hanging gear such as a partial deployment then the runway make more sense.
Finally, we are trained and practice over and over again landing on the long dashed white line so it takes an abnormal procedure and
adds some partial normality to it.

Large airports do have a length of free area, they are called parallel runways. Some airports or have taxiways large enough to take-off and
land from in an emergency, however these are mostly military or joint use facilities.

If there is time we can request that the runway is foamed to assist in preventing a post crash fire.

[relichd]

For a long time I was curious about that thing, too. Thanks Valoran for asking and thanks KenG for givin' us the answer