Narrative:
The KC-135 entered considerable yaw attitude after takeoff and the crew attempted to return to the airport. The crew entry door was reportedly jettisoned after which the plane rolled to an inverted attitude and crashed into the 2000 Block of Piatt street at 20th Street.
A preceding B-52 may have blown a drag chute from a F-105 Thunderchief against the departing KC-135. The drag chute had been accidently left on the runway.
» Piatt Memorial Park Monument
| Status: | |
| Date: | Saturday 16 January 1965 |
| Time: | 10:30 |
| Type: |  Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker |
| Operator: | United States Air Force - USAF |
| Registration: | 57-1442 |
| MSN: | 17513/122 |
| First flight: | 1958-07-18 (6 years 6 months) |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney J57-P |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7 |
| Ground casualties: | Fatalities: 22 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | 11 km (6.9 mls) NNW Wichita-McConnell AFB, KS (IAB) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Initial climb (ICL) |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Wichita-McConnell AFB, KS (IAB/KIAB), United States of America |
| Wichita-McConnell AFB, KS (IAB/KIAB), United States of America |
The KC-135 entered considerable yaw attitude after takeoff and the crew attempted to return to the airport. The crew entry door was reportedly jettisoned after which the plane rolled to an inverted attitude and crashed into the 2000 Block of Piatt street at 20th Street.
A preceding B-52 may have blown a drag chute from a F-105 Thunderchief against the departing KC-135. The drag chute had been accidently left on the runway.
Classification:
Loss of control
Sources:
» Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than Just a Tanker (Aerofax Series) / Robert S Hopkins, III» Piatt Memorial Park Monument
Photos
Map
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: 
Share
Boeing C-135
- 820 built
- 23rd loss
- 18th fatal accident
- 3rd worst accident (at the time)
- 4th worst accident (currently)
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation