1 fatality

Midair Collision Involving Cessna 401 and Cessna 180 at Houma-Terrebonne Airport (N444CS)

Houma-Terrebonne, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 12, 1980, a Cessna 401 (registration N444CS) operated by Beier Radio was involved in an aviation accident near Houma-Terrebonne, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision on final approach after both pilots failed to see and avoid other aircraft. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 401 and Cessna 180 collided on final approach to Houma-Terrebonne Airport in fog and haze. The Cessna 401 crashed, killing its pilot, while the Cessna 180 landed with minor injuries.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Involved On final approach to Houma-Terrebonne Airport, a Cessna 401 collided with a Cessna 180 registered N66186. The Cessna 180 was operated by Wurzlow Flying Service and carried one pilot and one passenger. The accident occurred in marginal weather, with visibility of 3 miles or less due to fog and haze. ## Collision and Aftermath After the midair collision, the Cessna 401 went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. Its pilot was killed. The pilot of the Cessna 180 completed an emergency landing, and both occupants were slightly injured. ## Contributing Factors The official findings identified fog, obstructions to vision, visibility of 3 miles or less, haze, lack of radar contact, absence of a control area, a convergence angle of 30°, a horizontal collision angle of 60°, and anti-collision lights being on as contributing factors.

Probable cause

In-flight collision on final approach after both pilots failed to see and avoid other aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Sept 1980 Cessna 401 accident near Houma-Terrebonne, United States of America?

A Cessna 401 and Cessna 180 collided on final approach to Houma-Terrebonne Airport in fog and haze. The Cessna 401 crashed, killing its pilot, while the Cessna 180 landed with minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Sept 1980 Cessna 401 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Sept 1980 involved a Cessna 401, registration N444CS, operated by Beier Radio, at Houma-Terrebonne, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight collision on final approach after both pilots failed to see and avoid other aircraft.