What effect can a malfunctioning anti-skid system have during landing?

A malfunctioning anti-skid system can have a significant impact on a landing aircraft by potentially increasing the stopping distance. The anti-skid system is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, which would otherwise lead to a loss of traction between the tires and the runway. When the system is functioning correctly, it allows for maximum braking without skidding, enabling the aircraft to stop in the shortest possible distance.

If the anti-skid system is malfunctioning, it may fail to modulate the brakes effectively. This could result in the wheels locking up, causing the aircraft to skid. When this happens, the tires lose traction on the runway surface, and the aircraft may slide further than intended. The skidding effect can also result in uneven braking, putting additional stress on the tires and increasing the risk of tire failure. Ultimately, all these factors contribute to an increased stopping distance, making landing operations less safe and efficient.

The other choices do not relate to the primary function of the anti-skid system, as improved braking performance and enhanced visibility are not applicable when the system is malfunctioning, and decrements in noise levels do not directly matter in the context of braking performance during landing.