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Pilot Reaches for iPad During Landing, Airplane Collides with Ground

Rockford, IL, United States

On March 12, 2018, a CESSNA 182 Q was involved in an aviation accident near Rockford, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s unnecessary action during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a pilot reached for an iPad, took eyes off the runway, and the airplane hit the ground nose-down. Substantial damage to lower fuselage. No mechanical issues reported.

The Incident

The pilot reported that during landing, at approximately 20 feet above ground level and about 80 knots, he reached for his iPad. He took his eyes off the runway to grab the device, which was located on the seat next to him. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage stringers, longerons, and formers.

Pilot's Report

The pilot stated that he should not have taken his eyes off the runway during landing. He also reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 20 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 12 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182S (Sundowners Inc.)
  • 19 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182Q (Charles Kinard)
  • 11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182 (Beta Flight LLC)
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 11 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 7 May 2026 — CESSNA 182T (Top Flight Aviation INC)
  • 4 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 3 May 2026 — CESSNA 182

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2018 CESSNA 182 Q accident near Rockford, IL?

During landing, a pilot reached for an iPad, took eyes off the runway, and the airplane hit the ground nose-down. Substantial damage to lower fuselage. No mechanical issues reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 2018 CESSNA 182 Q accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2018 involved a CESSNA 182 Q, at Rockford, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s unnecessary action during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

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