No fatalities

Midair Collision During Test Flight Near Arlington, Kansas (N141WB)

Arlington, United States of AmericaFlight

On February 7, 1979, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration N141WB) operated by Cessna Aircraft Company was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision during normal cruise after the pilot failed to maintain adequate separation. Contributing factors: pilot of other aircraft, not under radar contact, no control area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Two aircraft collided in flight while visually inspecting each other's undersides during a local test flight from Wichita Airport. Both crashed in a field; both pilots were injured, one critically.

Incident Overview

A pilot, who was the sole occupant of an aircraft, departed Wichita Airport on a local test flight accompanied by a second aircraft. During the flight, the two aircraft were visually checking each other's undersides when they collided in midair. Subsequently, both aircraft went out of control and crashed in a field located in Arlington, Kansas.

Injuries

Both pilots sustained injuries. The pilot of the aircraft identified as the Chancellor was critically injured. The extent of injuries to the other pilot was not specified in the source.

Official Probable Cause

The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of the accident was an in-flight collision during normal cruise after the pilot failed to maintain adequate separation. Contributing factors reported included the pilot of the other aircraft, the fact that the flight was not under radar contact, and the absence of a control area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1979 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Arlington, United States of America?

Two aircraft collided in flight while visually inspecting each other's undersides during a local test flight from Wichita Airport. Both crashed in a field; both pilots were injured, one critically.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Feb 1979 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1979 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration N141WB, operated by Cessna Aircraft Company, at Arlington, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight collision during normal cruise after the pilot failed to maintain adequate separation. Contributing factors: pilot of other aircraft, not under radar contact, no control area.