On October 2, 1970, a tragic aviation accident occurred involving a twin-engine aircraft carrying the Wichita State University football team, coaches, staff, and supporters. The plane was returning to Wichita, Kansas, after the team's game against Utah State University when it encountered severe weather conditions in the mountains of Colorado. The aircraft lost altitude and struck a mountain ridge near Silver Plume, resulting in the death of 31 individuals on board, including players, coaching staff, and university officials.

The flight, operated by a local charter company, had a complex route and faced significant challenges due to poor visibility and turbulent weather in the Rocky Mountains. The crash investigation revealed that the pilots were navigating through a storm, which ultimately led to their loss of control over the aircraft. In the aftermath of the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, which raised awareness of the safety protocols necessary for small aircraft flying in adverse weather.

This crash not only devastated the Wichita State University community but also had a lasting impact on college athletics, leading to increased scrutiny over travel arrangements and safety standards for collegiate teams. Many universities began to adopt stricter regulations and improved safety measures for team travel to prevent such a tragedy from repeating.