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Aircraft Strikes Building During ILS Approach at Rockford (N61558)

Rockford, IL, US

On January 24, 1983, a Cessna 172 (registration N61558) was involved in an aviation accident near Rockford, IL. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An instrument-rated pilot, flying an IFR flight plan in IMC, collided with a building's second floor while on an ILS approach to Runway 36 at Rockford, IL. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude due to airframe icing and was not injured.

Incident Overview

An aircraft on an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 36 at Rockford, Illinois, collided with the second floor of a building. The weather at the time was Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The pilot held an instrument rating and had filed an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan; however, a pre-flight weather briefing was not obtained.

Sequence of Events

Prior to the accident, the pilot attempted an approach at Janesville, but the localizer there was inoperative, causing the approach to be discontinued. The aircraft was subsequently vectored to Rockford. During the approach to Rockford, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude due to airframe icing. The aircraft disappeared from radar approximately half a mile from the runway threshold.

Outcome

The pilot was not injured in the accident. The aircraft sustained damage consistent with a collision with a building structure.

Controlled flight into terrainIcing

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jan 1983 Cessna 172 accident near Rockford, IL?

An instrument-rated pilot, flying an IFR flight plan in IMC, collided with a building's second floor while on an ILS approach to Runway 36 at Rockford, IL. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude due to airframe icing and was not injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jan 1983 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jan 1983 involved a Cessna 172, registration N61558, at Rockford, IL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41942. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.