Madison, Wis. – On Sunday morning, a single‑engine plane experienced a loss of altitude while approaching Rock County Regional Airport and was forced to land without its landing gear. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), Janesville Fire Department and local emergency medical services.
Quick response from county officials
RCSO deputies were alerted by airport personnel that the aircraft was in distress. Within minutes, sheriff’s deputies, fire‑fighter crews and EMS units converged on the runway. The pilot, a 56‑year‑old man from Poplar Grove, Illinois, was the sole occupant of the plane.
Landing without gear, no injuries
According to officials, the aircraft touched down on one of the airport’s runways with the landing gear retracted. The plane slid to a stop, coming to a halt without igniting any fire. First‑responders examined the pilot on site and determined that he sustained no injuries. He was subsequently cleared by EMS and allowed to leave the scene under his own power.
Investigation underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified of the emergency landing. Both agencies will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the aircraft’s loss of altitude and the factors that led to the gear‑up landing. No further details have been released at this time.
Community reassurance
Local residents expressed relief that the emergency was handled without injury. The coordinated effort between the sheriff’s office, fire department and EMS highlights the preparedness of Rock County’s public‑safety agencies to respond to unexpected aviation incidents.
What’s next for the pilot?
The pilot, who was traveling alone, is expected to undergo a medical evaluation before returning to flight status. Airport officials will also review runway conditions and aircraft handling procedures to ensure continued safety for future operations at Rock County Regional Airport.
For updates on the investigation or any changes to airport operations, residents are encouraged to follow announcements from the FAA, NTSB and Rock County emergency services.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
