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Boeing KC-135 (USAF501) — Uncontrolled Collision With Ground/Water at W (1965)

W, KANSAS, USIn Flight - Uncontrolled Descent

On January 16, 1965, a Boeing KC-135 (registration USAF501) was involved in an aviation accident near W, KANSAS in flight. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981).

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Primary reportUpdated 2026-07-01Data APIEditorial standards

This account was generated from NTSB coded accident records (1962–1981 archive); the original record contains no narrative.

On January 16, 1965, a Boeing KC-135 (USAF501) was involved in a recorded occurrence at W, Kansas during the in flight - uncontrolled descent phase, categorised as uncontrolled collision with ground/water.

Accident record

This is a factual summary of the official NTSB coded accident record for a Boeing KC-135 at W, Kansas on January 16, 1965.

  • Date: January 16, 1965
  • Aircraft: Boeing KC-135 (registration USAF501)
  • Location: W, Kansas
  • Phase of operation: IN Flight - Uncontrolled Descent
  • Occurrence type: Uncontrolled Collision With Ground/Water
  • Fatalities: 7

NTSB remarks

The original coded record includes the following remarks (verbatim):

> CRASHED 6 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF. ENTERED DESCENDING LEFT TURN AT 1000 FT & CRASHED. DEST 14 HOUSES

About this record

This account is generated directly from the NTSB’s structured accident data for the 1962–1981 period. It reproduces only the coded facts on file and adds no details beyond them.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1965 Boeing KC-135 accident near W, KANSAS?

On January 16, 1965, a Boeing KC-135 (USAF501) was involved in a recorded occurrence at W, Kansas during the in flight - uncontrolled descent phase, categorised as uncontrolled collision with ground/water.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jan 1965 Boeing KC-135 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1965 involved a Boeing KC-135, registration USAF501, at W, KANSAS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981). Original record: https://data.ntsb.gov/avdata#ntsb1962-5454. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the public domain (NTSB, U.S. Government work).