Pilot Completes Single-Engine Landing at Rockford

Cessna 414A N414MD Engine Failure, Rockford

On 10 December 2025, Cessna 414A N414MD was flying from Iron Mountain-Ford Airport in Michigan toward Chicago Rockford International Airport in Illinois when the aircraft experienced a number-one engine failure during the approach.

The pilot secured the failed engine and declared an emergency. The crew reported that two people were aboard, approximately 1,000 pounds of fuel remained and there was no fire. Those reports gave ATC the information needed to coordinate the arrival and prepare emergency services at Rockford.

The aircraft was positioned for an instrument approach and was eventually cleared for the ILS to runway 1. Fire departments were dispatched to the airport while the aircraft continued toward the runway on the remaining engine.

The approach was completed successfully and the aircraft landed at Rockford at approximately 5 p.m. After landing, the pilot advised ATC that a tow would be required because the aircraft was operating with the failed engine secured.

The incident ended without a crash or reported injuries. The most significant feature of the radio exchange is the orderly way the emergency was handled: the pilot identified the failed engine, confirmed the absence of fire, provided the number of people and fuel remaining, accepted the instrument approach and kept ATC informed through the landing.

The available material does not establish the precise mechanical reason for the engine failure. What is documented is the operational response and the successful single-engine landing at Rockford.

“10 December 2025 A Cessna 414, N414MD, suffered an engine failure on approach to Chicago Rockford.”

Accident Facts

Sources

• Video source (ATC/audio reconstruction)
• Contemporary local reporting on the N414MD emergency landing at Chicago Rockford.
• Historical flight tracking and ATC recording associated with the flight.
• Video/ATC recording