Federal investigators have confirmed the recovery of the flight recorder from the wreckage of a UPS cargo plane that tragically crashed in Louisville, Kentucky. At least 12 fatalities have been reported from this incident, which occurred shortly after the plane’s departure on November 5, 2025.
Kentucky UPS Plane Crash Details
UPS Flight 2976 was en route from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crash-landed shortly after takeoff. Investigators revealed that CCTV footage captured the plane’s left engine detaching during the takeoff process, leading to a catastrophic fire.
Investigation Findings
- The left engine fell off the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft during takeoff.
- A plume of fire erupted from the left wing as the plane began its ascent.
- The aircraft managed to gain altitude but ultimately crashed into several buildings near the airport.
- A trail of destruction, measuring approximately 800 meters long, was left in its wake.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman stated that the engine was later found on the airfield. Meanwhile, the cockpit voice recorder and data recorder have been sent for analysis, though a full investigation may take months to complete.
Casualty Reports
According to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, 12 individuals have been confirmed dead, with the identities of nine victims still pending. Among the deceased, three are believed to be crew members. Additionally, 15 residents from nearby areas are reported missing.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the scene as ‘violent,’ likening it to experiences from natural disasters he had observed in the past. Buildings affected by the crash included a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts company. Fortunately, both a Ford Motor factory and a convention center were spared from damage.
Impact on Operations
In the aftermath of the crash, UPS announced a temporary suspension of its operations at the Louisville airport. The facility, known as UPS Worldport, is a major cargo hub that handles millions of packages daily and supports over 300 cargo flights.
As investigations continue, local authorities are working diligently to assess the complete impact of this tragic event.
