Originally Posted by
megan
The trouble with the DC-10 at Chicago was that it relied on hydraulic pressure to keep the leading edge devices deployed, once the hydraulics lost pressure due damage incurred they retracted. It was said it wouldn't happen on a Boeing as the devices are mechanically latched (I don't know if that is indeed a fact, but was a reason given at the time). If that is indeed the case I'd assume damage would be limited to those devices impacted by debris and the loss of lift being minimal.
Don't forget that it's not just loss of lift but roll recovery as well. Some planes can be managed well at speed, but when you slow down to land you have got your hands full.