The Wichita State Football Team Plane Crash: Tragedy and Resilience

On October 2, 1970, tragedy struck the Wichita State University football program when one of two chartered planes carrying players, coaches, and supporters crashed in the Colorado Rockies. The accident claimed 31 lives and left an enduring mark on the university and college football as a whole.

The Fateful Flight

Wichita State’s football team had split into two planes for a trip to Logan, Utah, where they were scheduled to play against Utah State. The two aircraft, designated as “Gold” and “Black,” took different flight paths after departing Denver, Colorado. The Gold plane, a Martin 4-0-4, carried 36 people, including players, coaches, athletic staff, and supporters.

Instead of following the recommended flight route, the pilot of the Gold plane chose a more scenic path through the mountains. As the aircraft attempted to navigate Loveland Pass, it was unable to gain enough altitude, leading to a catastrophic impact against a mountainside near Silver Plume, Colorado. The crash instantly killed many onboard, while some succumbed to their injuries shortly afterward. Only nine individuals survived, though they suffered severe burns and trauma.

Investigations revealed that the pilot had made the decision to take a lower altitude route through the mountains, underestimating the aircraft’s ability to handle the terrain. The plane was also overloaded, which further impacted its ability to gain altitude in the mountainous region. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggling to climb before it ultimately struck the mountainside.

Wichita State Football Team Plane Crash 1970

The Aftermath

The devastating accident shook the Wichita State community. The surviving members of the football team, who had been on the Black plane, faced an emotional decision regarding whether to continue the season. After much deliberation, they ultimately chose to play on, honoring their fallen teammates in what became known as the “Second Season.” With a heavily depleted roster and under immense emotional strain, the team faced difficulties on the field, yet their perseverance was viewed as an act of courage and resilience.

Wichita State’s football program, however, never fully recovered competitively. The program struggled in the years following the crash, and in 1986, citing financial constraints and lack of support, the university officially discontinued its football team. The loss of the program was another significant blow to the university community, which had already endured the trauma of the accident.

The crash led to changes in aviation safety and travel procedures for collegiate sports teams. More stringent regulations were put in place regarding chartered flights, pilot qualifications, and adherence to recommended flight paths. Additionally, investigations into the crash highlighted the need for better aircraft maintenance and more rigorous oversight of flight planning for teams traveling long distances.

Wichita State plane crash survivor returns to crash site

Legacy and Remembrance

More than 50 years later, the tragedy remains a defining moment in Wichita State’s history. Survivors, families, and the university continue to commemorate the lives lost, ensuring that the memory of those aboard the Gold plane endures. A memorial was erected at the crash site in Colorado, where visitors can pay their respects, and an annual remembrance ceremony is held at Wichita State University.

In 2006, a permanent memorial titled “Memorial ’70” was dedicated on campus to honor those who perished in the crash. Each year on October 2, the university community gathers at the site to hold a moment of silence, share memories, and reflect on the impact of the tragedy. The remembrance event is attended by survivors, relatives of the victims, and current students who seek to keep the memory alive for future generations.

Memorial ’70: Survivors reflect on Wichita State University plane crash that killed 31

The story of the Wichita State plane crash has also been documented in various forms, including books, documentaries, and news reports, ensuring that the details of the event are never forgotten. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of both the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit.

The lessons learned from the crash extended beyond Wichita State, as universities across the country reassessed their travel policies, leading to improved safety protocols. The legacy of those who perished continues to inspire athletes, students, and aviation experts to prioritize safety and preparedness in all aspects of travel.

The Wichita State football team plane crash remains one of the most tragic incidents in college sports history. However, the perseverance of those who survived, and the continued efforts to honor the memory of the victims, serve as testaments to the resilience of the Wichita State community. The tragedy reshaped the university’s history, but it also strengthened the bonds among those who lived through it, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of those lost are never forgotten.