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.
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
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)
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