There is provided a load distribution panel assembly for a gas turbine engine. The assembly has a panel structure having at least one circumferential structural panel having a first end, and a second end coupled to a fixed structure of the gas turbine engine. The circumferential structural panel has a first compliant portion extending away from the first end, and has a second stiffened portion angled with respect to and extending radially away from the first compliant portion, and terminating at the second end. The second stiffened portion has a closed stiffened cavity portion integral with a perimeter flange portion. The panel assembly converts fore/aft point load(s) applied to it by load applying apparatus(es), to hoop tension and compression loads, and reacts a load offset in in-plane load(s), to provide uniform load distribution of the fore/aft point load(s) to the fixed structure.