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Collision of Cessna 402 and Cessna 150 at Waukesha Airport (N4045Q)

Waukesha, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 19, 1970, a Cessna 402 (registration N4045Q) operated by Ben K. Odell was involved in an aviation accident near Waukesha, United States of America during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both pilot failed to see and avoid each other while descending to Waukesha, an uncontrolled airport. Both aircraft were not under radar contact at the time of the collision that occurred in a 45° horizontal angle. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 402 and a Cessna 150 (N6175G) collided at 800 feet during descent into Waukesha Airport, killing all three occupants. The probable cause was both pilots' failure to see and avoid each other.

Incident

While descending into the traffic pattern for Waukesha Airport, a Cessna 402 collided with a Cessna 150, registered as N6175G and carrying two people. The collision occurred at an altitude of 800 feet. Following the impact, both aircraft fell to the ground and crashed in a field, erupting in flames. All three occupants of the two aircraft were killed.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the collision was that both pilots failed to see and avoid each other while descending to Waukesha, an uncontrolled airport. At the time of the collision, neither aircraft was under radar contact. The collision occurred at a 45° horizontal angle.

Midair collision

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