How Much Abuse Can Wichita Take?

Its the city that can't get a break... first the target of the White House's Hate/Hate relationship with business aviation, and then the victim of a bad economy, it seems like Wichita KS can't catch a break... not even from Mother Nature.

A tornado swept through south Wichita on Saturday night, causing significant damage but apparently no major injuries. Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems took a direct hit, officials said, as did the Oaklawn neighborhood and a mobile home park.

According to published reports, the preliminary assessment conducted by city and county officials currently estimates the overall loss in the Wichita area to be as much as $283 million.

At Boeing, A skeleton crew was on duty but there were no immediate reports of injuries. The company was not able to immediately assess the damage but a spokesman said it was extensive...

At Spirit AeroSystems, part of the side of the manufacturing process facility was gone. The plant was without power and officials said six buildings were significantly damaged and four were left with major damage. Again there were no immediate reports of injuries. To the northeast, Hawker-Beechcraft reported damage to a roof. A more detailed estimate of the damage should be forthcoming this week.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.spiritaero.com, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com