Nick,
That’s an interesting point on the rate of descent - when we modelled the PC2e procedures (for helideck landings) we set the arrival limit at 5ft/sec both for take-off and landing; in spite of taking an engine failure from 30ft above the deck on take-off and 40ft on landing we never exceeded that limit - except when we modelled considerably above the maximum masses for take-off and landing.
What would be the affect of a sideways movement on the undercarriage and how much do you consider it could tolerate?