On November 5, 2025, a UPS cargo plane experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after taking off from Louisville International Airport in Kentucky. The incident, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities, involved a fire on the left wing and the detachment of an engine.
NTSB Investigation Underway: Engine Detachment Leads to Fatal Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the engine detached from the aircraft just moments after liftoff. Todd Inman, an NTSB official, confirmed that the plane burned before crashing, creating a debris field that extended half a mile. The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 PM ET as the aircraft aimed for Honolulu.
- Incident Date: November 5, 2025
- Time of Crash: 5:15 PM ET
- Location: Louisville International Airport
- Fatalities: At least 12 confirmed
Details of the Incident
Witness footage revealed flames on the left wing, along with a trail of smoke. Once airborne, the plane reportedly cleared the fence at the end of Runway 17R before crashing into nearby structures and terrain.
The lost black boxes, which include the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, have been recovered. Inman noted that while the recorders experienced some heat damage, they remained intact for analysis.
Aircraft Background and Maintenance
The aircraft involved was a 1991 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Freighter, which Boeing currently oversees due to its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Investigators will thoroughly examine recent maintenance records, as reports indicate that the plane underwent substantial maintenance from September 3 to October 18 this year.
Collision Impacts and Nearby Structures
The crash resulted in collateral damage to nearby sites, causing explosions at Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and impacting Grade A Auto Parts, an auto salvage yard. Fortunately, local establishments, including a nearby restaurant, were spared.
Governor Andy Beshear stated the situation could have been worse, highlighting that the plane narrowly missed significant locations such as the Ford factory and a convention center.
Possible Causes and Historical Context
Initial reports suggest that the aircraft struggled for altitude while engulfed in flames. Experts have various theories about the cause, speculating on whether the issue originated from the engine itself or another structural component.
The crash bears similarities to past incidents involving General Electric CF6 engines, which have a history of failures. Notable accidents linked to this engine model include the uncontained engine failure of American Airlines Flight 383 in 2016 and the crash landing of United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989.
Conclusion
As the NTSB continues its investigation, approximately 28 investigators are on-site to gather information and insights that may clarify the factors leading to this tragic incident.
