Pilot makes another unscheduled landing near Antioch farm

A Lake Villa pilot who landed a plane on a Lincolnshire golf course in 2008 so his son wouldn't be late for a tennis lesson has made another unscheduled landing, this time in a farm field.

Mechanical problems forced Robert Kadera, 66, to land his plane Thursday morning in the field near North Avenue and N. Hawthorn Lane, just outside of Antioch, Lake County Sheriff's officials said.

No one was injured because the field was recently plowed and made for a smooth landing, Sgt. Troy Oldham said Friday.

Kadera, who was flying with his son over the Chain O' Lakes area, had taken off from Camp Lake Airport in Wisconsin, Oldham said. No citations were issued, but the Federal Aviation Administration was called to the scene to investigate.

Kadera still maintains a FAA pilot certificate despite pleading guilty in May to charges of criminal trespass to property and disorderly conduct for landing his ski-fitted Piper PA-16 Clipper on the snow-covered seventh fairway of the Crane's Landing Golf Course at Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort on March 1, 2008.

He told police he did so because his son was in danger of being late for a tennis lesson at the Lincolnshire Bath and Tennis Club on Route 22, across from the golf course.

No one was injured and there was no significant damage to the golf course, but Kadera was originally charged with the misdemeanor offenses of reckless conduct and endangering the life of a child.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Walker said she agreed to drop those charges in exchange for Kadera's plea to the less serious charges. Kadera was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision and ordered to perform 60 hours of community service. He also was ordered to pay a $500 fine and make a $600 contribution to Lake County Crime Stoppers.

Kadera must also abide by all requirements and administrative actions of the FAA, and is to have no contact with the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort without permission.