KPTS documentary remembers Piatt Street plane crash KPTS documentary remembers Piatt Street plane crash

"If you lived in the Wichita area in 1965, you undoubtedly remember that tragic day when a KC 135 tanker, loaded with fuel, fell from the sky and crashed into a neighborhood near 21st and Piatt," says Jess Huxman, KPTS director of content. "This was a significant event in the history of Wichita."

Thirty victims were killed in that crash, and at least 10 homes were destroyed by the ball of fire from the explosion. Among the dead were the seven crew members aboard the aircraft and eight children and 14 adults on the ground. An unborn child was counted as the 30th victim.

The 30-minute video includes eyewitness accounts of the event, archival news footage and photographs and comments from those who recently honored the victims with a memorial.

"These are the types of local stories that need to be retold, and we're honored and excited about sharing this with the community," says Michele Gors Paris, KPTS president and CEO.

In addition to the original broadcast date, the program will be rebroadcast at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17. Copies of "The Piatt Street Crash: Remembering Wichita's Worst Aviation Disaster" will be available for purchase from KPTS.