Why must pilots maintain control during the entire landing process, especially in windy conditions?

Pilots must maintain complete control throughout landing because the process isn't complete upon touchdown. As Scott Pattillo explains, relaxing control prematurely can be catastrophic, especially with gusting winds that can catch a wing. These wind gusts can force a wing to hit the ground, potentially causing the aircraft to cartwheel and flip over. Even after touching down, pilots must actively fly the airplane until reaching the end of the runway. Maintaining situational awareness and active control prevents dangerous scenarios where wind can destabilize the aircraft during its most vulnerable phase of flight, ensuring passenger safety during challenging landing conditions.