Which configuration is likely to prolong landing distance?

Retracting flaps too soon after landing can significantly prolong landing distance due to the loss of lift and drag that flaps provide. Flaps are designed to increase the camber of the wing, which enhances lift at lower speeds and provides additional drag during the landing phase. When the flaps are extended, they allow the aircraft to maintain a lower airspeed while still generating sufficient lift for landing, thus enabling a steeper descent profile and shorter landing distance.

If flaps are retracted prematurely, the aircraft will lose the increased lift and drag that they offer. This loss means that the aircraft must maintain a higher speed to stay airborne, resulting in a longer landing roll once the wheels make contact with the runway. The combination of reduced lift and increased landing speed due to the flap retraction leads to a significant increase in landing distance, making it crucial for pilots to manage flap settings appropriately during landing.