UPS Airlines Flight 2976: Difference between revisions

Line 41: Line 41:

===Aircraft===

The aircraft, N259UP, was a 34-year-old [[McDonnell Douglas MD-11F|McDonnell Douglas MD-11 BCF]] with manufacturer serial number 48417. The aircraft was first delivered to [[Thai Airways International]] in 1991 with the registration HS-TME,<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Jaedyn |last2=Lee |first2=Edward |date=4 November 2025 |title=UPS MD-11 Crashes During Takeoff from Louisville |website=Airways Mag |url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/ups-md-11-crashes-during-takeoff-from-louisville |accessdate=7 November 2025 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109004436/https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/ups-md-11-crashes-during-takeoff-from-louisville |url-status=live}}</ref> after which it was converted to a cargo aircraft and delivered to UPS Airlines in 2006. It was equipped with three [[General Electric CF6|General Electric CF6-80C2D1F]] engines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2025 |title=UPS Cargo MD-11 Crashes Shortly After Departure from Louisville – Air Data News |url=https://www.airdatanews.com/ups-cargo-md-11-crashes-shortly-after-departure-from-louisville/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105055910/https://www.airdatanews.com/ups-cargo-md-11-crashes-shortly-after-departure-from-louisville/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=Air Data News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=”Flightradar24 Blog”>{{Cite news |last=Petchenik |first=Ian |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS MD-11 crashes departing Louisville |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/ups-md-11-crashes-departing-louisville/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105005429/https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/ups-md-11-crashes-departing-louisville/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |url-status=live |work=Flightradar24 Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Inquiry |url=https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=259UP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329093808/https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=259UP |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=registry.faa.gov |language=en}}</ref> Beginning in September, it had been grounded for six weeks to repair a fuel tank which had a crack, and corrosion was later found along two structural beams in the fuselage.<ref name=”auto2″>{{Cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Lyle |last2=Katz |first2=Benjamin |date=November 8, 2025 |title=FAA Orders Grounding of MD-11 Planes After Kentucky Crash |url=https://www.wsj.com/us-news/ups-and-fedex-ground-md-11-fleets-after-deadly-kentucky-plane-crash-9c84ac2c |access-date=November 8, 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref>

The aircraft, N259UP, was a 34-year-old [[McDonnell Douglas MD-11F|McDonnell Douglas MD-11 BCF]] with manufacturer serial number 48417. The aircraft was first delivered to [[Thai Airways International]] in 1991 with the registration HS-TME,<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Jaedyn |last2=Lee |first2=Edward |date=November 2025 |title=UPS MD-11 Crashes During Takeoff from Louisville |website=Airways Mag |url=https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/ups-md-11-crashes-during-takeoff-from-louisville |accessdate=November 2025 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109004436/https://www.airwaysmag.com/new-post/ups-md-11-crashes-during-takeoff-from-louisville |url-status=live}}</ref> after which it was converted to a cargo aircraft and delivered to UPS Airlines in 2006. It was equipped with three [[General Electric CF6|General Electric CF6-80C2D1F]] engines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2025 |title=UPS Cargo MD-11 Crashes Shortly After Departure from Louisville – Air Data News |url=https://www.airdatanews.com/ups-cargo-md-11-crashes-shortly-after-departure-from-louisville/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105055910/https://www.airdatanews.com/ups-cargo-md-11-crashes-shortly-after-departure-from-louisville/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=Air Data News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=”Flightradar24 Blog”>{{Cite news |last=Petchenik |first=Ian |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS MD-11 crashes departing Louisville |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/ups-md-11-crashes-departing-louisville/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105005429/https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/flight-tracking-news/major-incident/ups-md-11-crashes-departing-louisville/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |url-status=live |work=Flightradar24 Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aircraft Inquiry |url=https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=259UP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329093808/https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=259UP |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=registry.faa.gov |language=en}}</ref> Beginning in September, it had been grounded for six weeks to repair a fuel tank which had a crack, and corrosion was later found along two structural beams in the fuselage.<ref name=”auto2″>{{Cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Lyle |last2=Katz |first2=Benjamin |date=November 8, 2025 |title=FAA Orders Grounding of MD-11 Planes After Kentucky Crash |url=https://www.wsj.com/us-news/ups-and-fedex-ground-md-11-fleets-after-deadly-kentucky-plane-crash-9c84ac2c |access-date=November 8, 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref>

===Crew===

The flight was operated by [[Pilot in command|Captain]] Richard Wartenberg, who was a retired [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] [[lieutenant colonel]] with the [[445th Airlift Wing]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauser |first=Christian |date=November 7, 2025 |title=NKY pilot who died in Louisville plane crash had distinguished military career |url=https://local12.com/news/local/ups-plane-crash-louisville-claims-13-lives-9-missing-killed-death-toll-dead-injuries-captain-richard-wartenberg-retired-us-air-force-military-erlanger-kentucky-soldier-army-navy-distinguished-military-career-pentagon-ground-zero-investigation-cincinnati |access-date=November 10, 2025 |website=WKRC}}</ref> [[First officer (aviation)|First Officer]] Lee Truitt, and [[In-flight crew relief|Relief Officer]] Captain Dana Diamond.<ref name=”about.ups.com-Statement”>{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2025 |orig-date=first published November 4, 2025 |title=UPS Statement on Aircraft Accident |url=https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html |url-status=live |department=Newsroom |website=about.ups.com |publisher=UPS |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251107142013/https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Suckow |first=Alex |date=2025~~-11-06~~ |title=UPS identifies 3 pilots on board plane that crashed in Louisville |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/ups-identifies-pilots-louisville-plane-crash/69279755 |access-date=2025~~-11-06~~ |website=WLKY}}</ref>

The flight was operated by [[Pilot in command|Captain]] Richard Wartenberg, who was a retired [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] [[lieutenant colonel]] with the [[445th Airlift Wing]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hauser |first=Christian |date=November 7, 2025 |title=NKY pilot who died in Louisville plane crash had distinguished military career |url=https://local12.com/news/local/ups-plane-crash-louisville-claims-13-lives-9-missing-killed-death-toll-dead-injuries-captain-richard-wartenberg-retired-us-air-force-military-erlanger-kentucky-soldier-army-navy-distinguished-military-career-pentagon-ground-zero-investigation-cincinnati |access-date=November 10, 2025 |website=WKRC}}</ref> [[First officer (aviation)|First Officer]] Lee Truitt, and [[In-flight crew relief|Relief Officer]] Captain Dana Diamond.<ref name=”about.ups.com-Statement”>{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2025 |orig-date=first published November 4, 2025 |title=UPS Statement on Aircraft Accident |url=https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html |url-status=live |department=Newsroom |website=about.ups.com |publisher=UPS |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251107142013/https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Suckow |first=Alex |date=2025 |title=UPS identifies 3 pilots on board plane that crashed in Louisville |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/ups-identifies-pilots-louisville-plane-crash/69279755 |access-date=2025 |website=WLKY}}</ref>

== Accident ==

[[File:UPS Airlines Flight 2976 moments before crash (cropped 2).png|thumb|A dashcam still of the plane seconds before impact, with the left wing on fire and the absence of the left engine just visible. The aircraft is crossing Grade Lane after striking a UPS warehouse.{{efn|The aircraft struck the UPS warehouse at about {{Coord|38.15221|-85.73658|region:US-KY|name=UPS building strike}}; crossed Grade Lane at about {{Coord|38.149930|-85.735502|region:US-KY|name=Grade Lane}}; struck Kentucky Petroleum Recycling around {{Coord|38.149109|-85.735292|region:US-KY|name=Kentucky Petroleum Recycling}}; and came to rest at about {{Coord|38.145508|-85.732670|region:US-KY|name=Came to rest}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Shocking satellite images show trail of destruction after deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville |url=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/us-news/shocking-satellite-images-show-trail-of-destruction-after-deadly-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville/ |access-date=6 November 2025 |date=6 November 2025 |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251107142022/https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/us-news/shocking-satellite-images-show-trail-of-destruction-after-deadly-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville/ |url-status=live}}</ref>}}]]

[[File:UPS Airlines Flight 2976 moments before crash (cropped 2).png|thumb|A dashcam still of the plane seconds before impact, with the left wing on fire and the absence of the left engine just visible. The aircraft is crossing Grade Lane after striking a UPS warehouse.{{efn|The aircraft struck the UPS warehouse at about {{Coord|38.15221|-85.73658|region:US-KY|name=UPS building strike}}; crossed Grade Lane at about {{Coord|38.149930|-85.735502|region:US-KY|name=Grade Lane}}; struck Kentucky Petroleum Recycling around {{Coord|38.149109|-85.735292|region:US-KY|name=Kentucky Petroleum Recycling}}; and came to rest at about {{Coord|38.145508|-85.732670|region:US-KY|name=Came to rest}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Shocking satellite images show trail of destruction after deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville |url=https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/us-news/shocking-satellite-images-show-trail-of-destruction-after-deadly-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville/ |access-date=November 2025 |date=November 2025 |archive-date=November 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251107142022/https://nypost.com/2025/11/06/us-news/shocking-satellite-images-show-trail-of-destruction-after-deadly-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville/ |url-status=live}}</ref>}}]]

[[File:UPS2976_Crash_(Truck_dashcam).webm|thumb|The crash viewed from a truck dash cam. The plane, first visible at 00:29, has just begun skidding on its left [[fuselage]] and is continuing to roll to the left.]]

Line 53: Line 53:

The aircraft took off from runway 17R, heading south, on schedule at about 5:13 p.m. EST (UTC−5). Weather at the time was described as “pretty fair”.<ref name=”Mascarenhas” /> According to initial flight tracking data, the aircraft reached {{convert|175|ft}} [[Height above ground level|above ground level]]<ref name=”CBS”>{{Cite news |last=Intarasuwan |first=Kiki |date=November 4, 2025 |title=UPS plane crashes near airport in Louisville, Kentucky, officials say |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-kentucky/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104231213/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-kentucky/ |archive-date=November 4, 2025 |url-status=live |access-date=November 5, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{not in citation given |reason=This does not include ‘above ground level’. Altitudes for aircraft are sometimes reported in other terms. |date=November 2025}} and a maximum ground speed of {{convert|186|kn}}.<ref name=”Flightradar24 Blog” />

Seconds after becoming airborne, the aircraft started banking left and entered a sharp descent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2025 |title=UPS plane crashes near Louisville international airport in Kentucky |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104235813/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> The jet struck the roof of a UPS Supply Chain warehouse, leaving a {{convert|90|m|ft|-1|order=flip|adj=mid}} gash. Its left wing then hit a stand of fuel tanks at the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling company’s depot<ref name=”Mascarenhas”>{{cite news |last1=Mascarenhas |first1=Lauren |title=What NTSB investigators will examine to determine the cause of the Louisville UPS plane crash |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/ntsb-investigation-ups-plane-crash |access-date=6 November 2025 |work=CNN |date=6 November 2025 |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108191416/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/ntsb-investigation-ups-plane-crash |url-status=live}}</ref> causing a massive fire to erupt and the aircraft to [[Aircraft principal axes|roll]] more than 90 degrees to the left. Finally, the airplane crashed into a [[Semi-trailer truck|semi-truck]] parking area and an auto scrap yard, Grade A Auto Parts,<ref>{{Cite news |title=At least four dead after cargo plane crashes at Kentucky airport, as flames engulf businesses – follow live |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c201kgq59qgt?post=asset:015fedfe-809b-49b9-9e14-245452ec79bf#post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105025446/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c201kgq59qgt?post=asset:015fedfe-809b-49b9-9e14-245452ec79bf#post |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuzydym |first1=Stephanie |title=Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, Grade A Auto Parts hit by UPS plane crash. What to know |url=https://eu.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/11/04/ups-plane-crash-hits-kentucky-petroleum-recycling-grade-a-auto-parts/87096519007/ |access-date=6 November 2025 |work=The Courier-Journal}}</ref> its landing gear still extended.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keck |first=Matthew |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS plane crashes at Louisville’s airport, causing explosion and massive fire |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/plane-crash-explosion-louisville-airport/69255042 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105002207/https://www.wlky.com/article/plane-crash-explosion-louisville-airport/69255042 |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=WLKY}}</ref> The debris field stretched for a half-mile.<ref name=”Mascarenhas” /> The left engine, which separated from the [[wing]] during the takeoff roll, was found on the grass beside runway 17R.<ref>{{Cite news |title=What could have caused UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgky7djx5eo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105203538/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgky7djx5eo |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Danya Gainor |author2=Michelle Watson |author3=Amanda Musa |author4=Emma Tucker |author5=Alexandra Skores |author6=Pete Muntean |author7=Cindy Von Quednow |author8=Amanda Jackson |author9=Jordan Brown |title=Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 4 killed, 11 injured |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105022847/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> The flight was not carrying hazardous cargo.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2025 |title=At least seven dead and 11 injured after UPS plane crashes near a Kentucky airport |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105123832/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

Seconds after becoming airborne, the aircraft started banking left and entered a sharp descent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 4, 2025 |title=UPS plane crashes near Louisville international airport in Kentucky |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104235813/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> The jet struck the roof of a UPS Supply Chain warehouse, leaving a {{convert|90|m|ft|-1|order=flip|adj=mid}} gash. Its left wing then hit a stand of fuel tanks at the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling company’s depot<ref name=”Mascarenhas”>{{cite news |last1=Mascarenhas |first1=Lauren |title=What NTSB investigators will examine to determine the cause of the Louisville UPS plane crash |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/ntsb-investigation-ups-plane-crash |access-date=November 2025 |work=CNN |date=November 2025 |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108191416/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/ntsb-investigation-ups-plane-crash |url-status=live}}</ref> causing a massive fire to erupt and the aircraft to [[Aircraft principal axes|roll]] more than 90 degrees to the left. Finally, the airplane crashed into a [[Semi-trailer truck|semi-truck]] parking area and an auto scrap yard, Grade A Auto Parts,<ref>{{Cite news |title=At least four dead after cargo plane crashes at Kentucky airport, as flames engulf businesses – follow live |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c201kgq59qgt?post=asset:015fedfe-809b-49b9-9e14-245452ec79bf#post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105025446/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c201kgq59qgt?post=asset:015fedfe-809b-49b9-9e14-245452ec79bf#post |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuzydym |first1=Stephanie |title=Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, Grade A Auto Parts hit by UPS plane crash. What to know |url=https://eu.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/11/04/ups-plane-crash-hits-kentucky-petroleum-recycling-grade-a-auto-parts/87096519007/ |access-date=November 2025 |work=The Courier-Journal}}</ref> its landing gear still extended.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keck |first=Matthew |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS plane crashes at Louisville’s airport, causing explosion and massive fire |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/plane-crash-explosion-louisville-airport/69255042 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105002207/https://www.wlky.com/article/plane-crash-explosion-louisville-airport/69255042 |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=WLKY}}</ref> The debris field stretched for a half-mile.<ref name=”Mascarenhas” /> The left engine, which separated from the [[wing]] during the takeoff roll, was found on the grass beside runway 17R.<ref>{{Cite news |title=What could have caused UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgky7djx5eo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105203538/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgky7djx5eo |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Danya Gainor |author2=Michelle Watson |author3=Amanda Musa |author4=Emma Tucker |author5=Alexandra Skores |author6=Pete Muntean |author7=Cindy Von Quednow |author8=Amanda Jackson |author9=Jordan Brown |title=Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 4 killed, 11 injured |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105022847/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> The flight was not carrying hazardous cargo.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2025 |title=At least seven dead and 11 injured after UPS plane crashes near a Kentucky airport |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105123832/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/louisville-plane-crash-airport-kentucky-latest |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

Bystander videos show the aircraft taking off with its number one (left) engine absent and the left wing engulfed in flames. Video analysis shows that engine two (tail) also suffered some sort of failure, with sparks shooting out of the engine, possibly caused by debris from engine one.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubose |first=Casey |date=2025~~-11-05~~ |title=ALG is investigating the UPS Flight 2976 Crash: Legal Questions and Next Steps |url=https://www.aviationlawgroup.com/alg-is-investigating-the-ups-flight-2976-crash-legal-questions-and-next-steps/ |access-date=2025~~-11-09~~ |website=Aviation Law Group, P.S. |language=en-US}}</ref>

Bystander videos show the aircraft taking off with its number one (left) engine absent and the left wing engulfed in flames. Video analysis shows that engine two (tail) also suffered some sort of failure, with sparks shooting out of the engine, possibly caused by debris from engine one.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubose |first=Casey |date=2025 |title=ALG is investigating the UPS Flight 2976 Crash: Legal Questions and Next Steps |url=https://www.aviationlawgroup.com/alg-is-investigating-the-ups-flight-2976-crash-legal-questions-and-next-steps/ |access-date=2025 |website=Aviation Law Group, P.S. |language=en-US}}</ref>

Multiple buildings were set on fire or destroyed and there were reports of people being trapped inside.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Muntean |first1=Pete |last2=Musa |first2=Amanda |last3=Tucker |first3=Emma |last4=Jackson |first4=Amanda |last5=Skores |first5=Alexandra |last6=Cooper |first6=Aaron |date=November 4, 2025 |title=A UPS plane with 3 crew members crashed near the Louisville airport |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/us/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105001356/https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/04/us/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1985852134600909213 |user=BNONews |author-link=BNO News |title=Large Plane Crashes in Kentucky – UPS Flight 2976 with 3 on board – During take-off from Louisville – Massive explosions seen – Multiple buildings destroyed – Reports of people trapped – Rescue operation ongoing |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Line 61: Line 61:

Two employees of the auto yard were initially reported as unaccounted for, and it was unknown how many customers were on the premises.<ref name=”NBC News”>{{Cite news |last1=Helsel |first1=Phil |date=November 5, 2025 |title=At least 3 dead after UPS plane crashes during takeoff at Louisville airport, governor says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport-rcna241998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105011434/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport-rcna241998 |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=NBC News |language=en-US}}</ref> UPS said three crew members were on board the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |title=UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville airport kills at least 7, injures 11 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/04/ups-plane-louisville.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.today/2025.11.05-070101/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/04/ups-plane-louisville.html |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=CNBC}}</ref>

[[File:UPS 5X2976 Flight Data v2.png|thumb|alt=UPS Flight 2976 Flight Data from ~~the~~ ~~4th November~~, 2025|UPS Flight 2976 Flight Data from November 4, 2025<ref>{{cite web | title=Live Flight Tracker – Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/5×2976}}</ref>]]

[[File:UPS 5X2976 Flight Data v2.png|thumb|alt=UPS Flight 2976 Flight Data from , 2025|UPS Flight 2976 Flight Data from November 4, 2025<ref>{{cite web | title=Live Flight Tracker – Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/5×2976}}</ref>]]

==Victims==

<!– Do not remove following sentence because it’s in lead, see [[MOS:LEADNOTUNIQUE]]. –>The crash killed all three crew members on board the aircraft<ref name=”ReutersNov6″>{{cite web |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=Lampert |first2=Allison |last3=Baertlein |first3=Lisa |date=6 November 2025 |title=Investigators find ‘black boxes’ from UPS plane crash that killed at least 12 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/death-toll-louisville-ups-plane-crash-rises-9-2025-11-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/YRIKg |archive-date=6 November 2025 |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=Reuters |quote=As of Wednesday evening, at least nine people were confirmed to have been killed on the ground, in addition to the three members of the plane’s crew who perished, according to authorities.}}</ref> and another eleven on the ground, including a 3-year-old child.<!– Please find the reliable source –><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 2025 |title=Death toll rises to 14 after UPS plane crashed at Louisville airport: Officials |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/9-people-remain-missing-after-ups-plane-crash/story?id=127255924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108071918/https://abcnews.go.com/US/9-people-remain-missing-after-ups-plane-crash/story?id=127255924 |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |access-date=November 7, 2025 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”cj” /><ref name=”lex18″ />

<!– Do not remove following sentence because it’s in lead, see [[MOS:LEADNOTUNIQUE]]. –>The crash killed all three crew members on board the aircraft<ref name=”ReutersNov6″>{{cite web |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=Lampert |first2=Allison |last3=Baertlein |first3=Lisa |date=November 2025 |title=Investigators find ‘black boxes’ from UPS plane crash that killed at least 12 |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/death-toll-louisville-ups-plane-crash-rises-9-2025-11-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/YRIKg |archive-date=November 2025 |access-date=November 2025 |website=Reuters |quote=As of Wednesday evening, at least nine people were confirmed to have been killed on the ground, in addition to the three members of the plane’s crew who perished, according to authorities.}}</ref> and another eleven on the ground, including a 3-year-old child.<!– Please find the reliable source –><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 2025 |title=Death toll rises to 14 after UPS plane crashed at Louisville airport: Officials |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/9-people-remain-missing-after-ups-plane-crash/story?id=127255924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108071918/https://abcnews.go.com/US/9-people-remain-missing-after-ups-plane-crash/story?id=127255924 |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |access-date=November 7, 2025 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”cj” /><ref name=”lex18″ />

Fifteen families initially reported missing relatives. On November 6, Louisville Mayor [[Craig Greenberg]] reported that six of the missing had been accounted for, leaving nine still missing.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPS plane crash latest 9 still missing, 12 dead as search and recovery continues |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/national/ups-plane-crash/12-dead-9-missing-ups-plane-crash-louisville/417-5f7fb7be-a165-4039-91ce-a04d249edbb4 |access-date=6 November 2025 |agency=WHAS 11 |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108002152/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/national/ups-plane-crash/12-dead-9-missing-ups-plane-crash-louisville/417-5f7fb7be-a165-4039-91ce-a04d249edbb4 |url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, Greenberg said that the missing people were believed to have been found.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2025 |title=Louisville mayor says all missing victims of UPS plane crash have been found |url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-mayor-says-all-missing-victims-of-ups-plane-crash-have-been-found/article_6aa4f28f-0f4c-473f-ad9b-0a1addda8438.html |access-date=November 8, 2025 |publisher=[[WDRB]] |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109005346/https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-mayor-says-all-missing-victims-of-ups-plane-crash-have-been-found/article_6aa4f28f-0f4c-473f-ad9b-0a1addda8438.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Fifteen families initially reported missing relatives. On November 6, Louisville Mayor [[Craig Greenberg]] reported that six of the missing had been accounted for, leaving nine still missing.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPS plane crash latest 9 still missing, 12 dead as search and recovery continues |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/national/ups-plane-crash/12-dead-9-missing-ups-plane-crash-louisville/417-5f7fb7be-a165-4039-91ce-a04d249edbb4 |access-date=November 2025 |agency=WHAS 11 |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108002152/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/national/ups-plane-crash/12-dead-9-missing-ups-plane-crash-louisville/417-5f7fb7be-a165-4039-91ce-a04d249edbb4 |url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, Greenberg said that the missing people were believed to have been found.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2025 |title=Louisville mayor says all missing victims of UPS plane crash have been found |url=https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-mayor-says-all-missing-victims-of-ups-plane-crash-have-been-found/article_6aa4f28f-0f4c-473f-ad9b-0a1addda8438.html |access-date=November 8, 2025 |publisher=[[WDRB]] |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109005346/https://www.wdrb.com/news/louisville-mayor-says-all-missing-victims-of-ups-plane-crash-have-been-found/article_6aa4f28f-0f4c-473f-ad9b-0a1addda8438.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The day after the crash, a spokesperson reported that fifteen people had been treated at [[UofL Health]] facilities, all but two of whom had been discharged.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS plane crash death toll rises to at least 9, officials say |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-plane-crash-death-toll-rises-least-9-officials-say-rcna242076 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105143140/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-plane-crash-death-toll-rises-least-9-officials-say-rcna242076 |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=NBC News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Yan |first1=Holly |last2=Rose |first2=Andy |last3=Gainor |first3=Danya |last4=Musa |first4=Amanda |last5=Tucker |first5=Emma |last6=Skores |first6=Alexandra |last7=Muntean |first7=Pete |last8=Von Quednow |first8=Cindy |last9=Jackson |first9=Amanda |last10=Brown |first10=Jordan |title=2 burn patients in critical condition while 8 others are hospitalized |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport?post-id=cmhlxumrj0005356oeu630rtn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105205212/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport?post-id=cmhlxumrj0005356oeu630rtn |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

Line 82: Line 82:

The radius of the shelter-in-place order was reduced for the third time, effective at 7:30 a.m. on November 5, centered near 7501 Grade Lane, to {{convert|1/4|mi|m|abbr=on|sp=us}}.<ref name=”auto”>{{Cite web |last=Roldan |first=Roberto |date=November 5, 2025 |title=UPS plane crash continues to impact Louisville Wednesday |url=https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-11-05/ups-plane-crash-continues-to-impact-louisville-wednesday |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=Louisville Public Media |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105205939/https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-11-05/ups-plane-crash-continues-to-impact-louisville-wednesday |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Louisville Metro Government]] set up a website for people to report and document debris, which they were urged not to touch, and numerous departures were delayed or canceled.<ref name=”auto” />

At 7:40 a.m. on November 5, Louisville International Airport announced that Runway 11/29 was open.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louisville International Airport |url=https://www.flylouisville.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105235443/https://www.flylouisville.com/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=Fly Louisville|language=en}}</ref> UPS resumed operations from Louisville later that day.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPS Worldport begins to resume operations |url=https://www.wave3.com/2025/11/06/ups-worldport-begins-resume-operations/ |access-date=7 November 2025 |agency=WAVE3}}</ref>

The incident runway, 17R/35L, was reopened around 4:45 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]] on November 6, returning the airfield to full operational status.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolgan |first1=Sarah |title=Louisville airport now ‘fully operational’ after fatal UPS plane crash |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-airport-fully-operational-open-ups-plane-crash/417-e5950d7b-1bf9-4fde-af94-03c2bdbcef08 |access-date=7 November 2025 |agency=WHAS11 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109004453/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-airport-fully-operational-open-ups-plane-crash/417-e5950d7b-1bf9-4fde-af94-03c2bdbcef08 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The incident runway, 17R/35L, was reopened around 4:45 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|EST]] on November 6, returning the airfield to full operational status.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolgan |first1=Sarah |title=Louisville airport now ‘fully operational’ after fatal UPS plane crash |url=https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-airport-fully-operational-open-ups-plane-crash/417-e5950d7b-1bf9-4fde-af94-03c2bdbcef08 |access-date=November 2025 |agency=WHAS11 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109004453/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/louisville-airport-fully-operational-open-ups-plane-crash/417-e5950d7b-1bf9-4fde-af94-03c2bdbcef08 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 8, UPS, [[FedEx Express|FedEx]], and [[Western Global Airlines]] temporarily grounded their respective MD-11 fleets “out of an abundance of caution” following instructions from their manufacturer, [[Boeing]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 2025 |title=UPS and FedEx ground MD-11s, the type of plane in Louisville crash |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-grounds-md-11-fleet-type-plane-louisville-crash-sources-say-rcna242711 |access-date=November 8, 2025 |work=[[NBC News]] |archive-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251108051039/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ups-grounds-md-11-fleet-type-plane-louisville-crash-sources-say-rcna242711 |url-status=live}}</ref> This comprised 9% of UPS’s entire fleet<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2025 |title=US authorities ground cargo plane model after Kentucky air disaster |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pr5y7p90o |access-date=November 8, 2025 |website=www.bbc.com}}</ref> as well as a similar number{{clarify |reason=What number? Is this referring to a number of aircraft or a percentage of the fleet? What number of aircraft were affected by each of these services? |date=November 2025}} for FedEx.<ref name=”auto2″/> The FAA issued an [[emergency airworthiness directive]] (EAD) for MD-11 aircraft requiring inspections and any applicable corrective actions before flight. No corrective actions have been specified so far, effectively grounding the entire MD-11 fleet indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1987272511210373393 |user=flightradar24 |author-link=Flightradar24 |title=The FAA has just issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive for MD-11 aircraft requiring aircraft inspections and any applicable corrective actions before further flight. |date=November 8, 2025 |access-date=November 8, 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”FAA-2025-23-51″>{{cite web |date=November 8, 2025 |title=Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2025-23-51 |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID188588539020251108211920.0001?modalOpened=true |access-date=November 8, 2025 |website=drs.faa.gov |publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109015422/https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID188588539020251108211920.0001?modalOpened=true |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dynamic Regulatory System |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID188588539020251108211920.0001?modalOpened=true |access-date=2025~~-11-09~~ |website=drs.faa.gov}}</ref>

Analysts noted that the temporary grounding of the MD-11 fleet disrupted overnight cargo operations at several major U.S. airports, including Memphis, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Ontario, California, causing short-term delays in supply chains reliant on express freight. The incident occurred amid the ongoing 2025 federal government shutdown, which strained staffing at aviation agencies and led regulators to impose traffic reductions and operational limits. Observers stated that these conditions complicated logistics and could slow non-urgent investigatory and regulatory work. Industry and government sources urged expedited inspections to minimize economic losses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=Lampert |first2=Allison |title=FAA bars MD-11 flights after fiery UPS jet crash |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/faa-issues-order-prohibiting-md-11-flights-pending-inspection-after-fiery-ups-2025-11-08/ |work=Reuters |date=November 9, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=FAA orders inspections of all MD-11 planes after crash that killed 14 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/11/08/louisville-crash-investigation-ups-fedex/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 8, 2025 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |access-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109043655/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/11/08/louisville-crash-investigation-ups-fedex/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=US airlines cancel flights after aviation agency directive to cut air traffic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/06/us-40-airports-traffic-reduced |work=The Guardian |date=November 7, 2025}}</ref>

==Reactions==

Kentucky U.S. Senators [[Mitch McConnell]] and [[Rand Paul]] expressed their condolences to the victims.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last1=Paul |first1=Rand |author-link=Rand Paul |user=SenRandPaul |number=1985848752339378318 |date=November 4, 2025 |title=My team and I are closely monitoring the plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. We continue to pray for the safety of the aircrew, everyone in the area, and for the first-responders on the scene. |language=en-US |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref> A town hall meeting in Louisville with U.S. Senate candidate [[Nate Morris]] started with a moment of silence following the accident.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last1=Aulbach |first1=Lucas |user=LucasAulbach |number=1985851674007625874 |date=November 4, 2025 |title=Somber start to tonight’s town hall in Louisville with U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris, announced last week, given what’s happening tonight in the city. Started with a moment of silence and a prayer from a UPS worker who’s in the crowd. |language=en-US |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref> Representative [[Morgan McGarvey]] expressed appreciation for the bravery of the first responders at the scene.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last1=McGarvey |first=Morgan |author-link=Morgan McGarvey |user=RepMcGarvey |number=1985864011494064183 |date=November 4, 2025 |title=Tonight, our community was rocked by a devastating plane crash at the Louisville airport. My heart breaks for the pilots, crew, and their families, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders as they continue their work throughout the night tonight to respond quickly and heroically to this horrific incident. We still do not have complete details on how this tragedy occurred, but I’ve spoken with the Chair of National Transportation Safety Board and will continue to stay in contact with state, local, and federal authorities to get answers and do what we can to help all those affected. |language=en-US |access-date=November 7, 2025}}</ref> State flags were flown at [[half-staff]].<ref name=”Mascarenhas” /> UPS CEO [[Carol Tomé]] expressed her sadness over the accident and thanked the UPS team in Louisville for their professionalism.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPS Statement on Aircraft Accident |url=https://about.ups.com/us/en/newsroom/statements/ups-statement-on-aircraft-accident.html |website=About UPS-US |access-date=11 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Big Four Bridge]] crossing the [[Ohio River]] between Louisville and [[Jeffersonville, Indiana]], was illuminated in yellow, one of the main colors used by UPS, in solidarity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2025 |title=Big Four Bridge lit up yellow in honor of UPS plane crash |url=https://www.wave3.com/2025/11/05/big-four-bridge-lit-up-yellow-honor-ups-plane-crash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105065719/https://www.wave3.com/2025/11/05/big-four-bridge-lit-up-yellow-honor-ups-plane-crash/ |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |work=wave3.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[International Brotherhood of Teamsters|Teamsters]] Local 89, which represents transportation and warehouse workers including UPS, held a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of the crash at the local union hall, which began with a moment of silence at 5:14{{Spaces}}p.m., marking the time of the crash.<ref>{{cite news |title=Community vigil planned to honor UPS plane crash victims |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/community-vigil-ups-plane-crash-victims-louisville/69275056 |access-date=6 November 2025 |agency=WLKY}}</ref>

==Investigation==

[[File:UPS Airlines Flight 2976 CVR & FDR.png|thumb|upright|The charred cockpit voice recorder (left) and flight data recorder (right) pictured the day after the crash]]

The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) is investigating the crash along with the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA).<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1985846235803062781 |user=FAANews |author-link=Federal Aviation Administration |title=UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15{{nbsp}}p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change. |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The NTSB launched a [[National Transportation Safety Board#Accident and incident investigations|go-team]] of 28 personnel.<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite web |author1=Jordan Brown |author2=Danya Gainor |author3=Michelle Watson |author4=Amanda Musa |author5=Emma Tucker |author6=Alexandra Skores |author7=Pete Muntean |author8=Cindy Von Quednow |author9=Amanda Jackson |date=November 4, 2025 |title=Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 7 killed, 11 injured |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105022847/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |url-status=live}}</ref> At a media briefing held on November 5, 2025, with board member Todd Inman serving as the on-scene spokesperson,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1985886622324326514 |user=NTSB_Newsroom |author-link=National Transportation Safety Board |title=NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Tuesday’s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976 near Louisville, Kentucky. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow. A media briefing will be held tomorrow, with the time and location to be announced via this feed. |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> they announced the recovery of the [[cockpit voice recorder]] (CVR) and [[flight data recorder]].<ref name=”auto1″ /> UPS Airlines announced it was in close contact with and cooperating with the NTSB and the FAA.<ref name=”about.ups.com-Statement” />

The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) is investigating the crash along with the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA).<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1985846235803062781 |user=FAANews |author-link=Federal Aviation Administration |title=UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15{{nbsp}}p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change. |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The NTSB launched a [[National Transportation Safety Board#Accident and incident investigations|go-team]] of 28 personnel.<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite web |author1=Jordan Brown |author2=Danya Gainor |author3=Michelle Watson |author4=Amanda Musa |author5=Emma Tucker |author6=Alexandra Skores |author7=Pete Muntean |author8=Cindy Von Quednow |author9=Amanda Jackson |date=November 4, 2025 |title=Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 7 killed, 11 injured |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |access-date=November 5, 2025 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105022847/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ups-plane-crash-louisville-airport |url-status=live}}</ref> At a media briefing held on November 5, 2025, with board member Todd Inman serving as the on-scene spokesperson,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1985886622324326514 |user=NTSB_Newsroom |author-link=National Transportation Safety Board |title=NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Tuesday’s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976 near Louisville, Kentucky. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow. A media briefing will be held tomorrow, with the time and location to be announced via this feed. |date=November 4, 2025 |access-date=November 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> they announced the recovery of the [[cockpit voice recorder]] (CVR) and [[flight data recorder]].<ref name=”auto1″ /> UPS Airlines announced it was in close contact with and cooperating with the NTSB and the FAA.<ref name=”about.ups.com-Statement” />

At a media briefing held on November 6, 2025, the NTSB announced that the last [[ADS-B]] message received at 5:13:32 p.m. EST (UTC−5) showed the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of {{convert|475|ft}} and a speed of {{convert|183|kn}}. A follow-up message relayed that this equated to approximately {{convert|100|ft}} above ground level. They also confirmed that they were able to successfully download the data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, including for the accident flight.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPS MD-11 Cargo Aircraft Crash, Louisville, KY |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2025~~-11-06~~ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srB2ezbnP24 |access-date=2025~~-11-06~~ |archive-date=November 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106224949/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srB2ezbnP24&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live}}</ref> An NTSB spokesman said the CVR audio contained a persistent bell sound.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox19.com/2025/11/07/persistent-bell-heard-cockpit-voice-recorder-ups-plane-crash-ntsb/ |title=”Persistent bell” heard on cockpit voice recorder in UPS plane crash: NTSB |access-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109132705/https://www.fox19.com/2025/11/07/persistent-bell-heard-cockpit-voice-recorder-ups-plane-crash-ntsb/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

At a media briefing held on November 6, 2025, the NTSB announced that the last [[ADS-B]] message received at 5:13:32 p.m. EST (UTC−5) showed the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of {{convert|475|ft}} and a speed of {{convert|183|kn}}. A follow-up message relayed that this equated to approximately {{convert|100|ft}} above ground level. They also confirmed that they were able to successfully download the data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, including for the accident flight.<ref>{{cite web |title=UPS MD-11 Cargo Aircraft Crash, Louisville, KY |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2025 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srB2ezbnP24 |access-date=2025 |archive-date=November 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106224949/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srB2ezbnP24&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live}}</ref> An NTSB spokesman said the CVR audio contained a persistent bell sound.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fox19.com/2025/11/07/persistent-bell-heard-cockpit-voice-recorder-ups-plane-crash-ntsb/ |title=”Persistent bell” heard on cockpit voice recorder in UPS plane crash: NTSB |access-date=November 8, 2025 |archive-date=November 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109132705/https://www.fox19.com/2025/11/07/persistent-bell-heard-cockpit-voice-recorder-ups-plane-crash-ntsb/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==

Line 108: Line 108:

* [[List of aircraft accidents and incidents by number of ground fatalities]]

* [[2025 in aviation]]

* [[American Airlines Flight 191]] (1979) – a [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10|DC-10]] (the direct predecessor to the MD-11), which crashed into a building following a left engine separation on takeoff; the deadliest aviation accident in the United States (273 fatalities)<ref>https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ups-flight-2976-crash-draws-haunting-parallels-1979s-american-airlines-flight-191-disaster-1752534</ref><ref>https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/ups-md-11f-crash-evokes-spectre-of-american-191-but-the-depth-of-parallels-is-unclear/165227.article</ref><ref>https://www.wave3.com/2025/11/10/troubleshooters-ups-crash-similar-1979-dc-10-crash/</ref><ref>https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/left-engine-fell-off-plane-during-take-off-before-fatal-louisville-crash-20251106-p5n847.html</ref>

== Notes ==

2025 aviation accident in Kentucky, United States

UPS Airlines Flight 2976
Aerial view of the crash site
Date	November 4, 2025 (2025-11-04)
Summary	Crashed shortly after takeoff following left engine detachment; under investigation
Site	Near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Knopp, Louisville, Kentucky, United States 38°8′54″N 85°44′6″W / 38.14833°N 85.73500°W / 38.14833; -85.73500

Total fatalities	14
Total injuries	15
N259UP, the aircraft involved in the accident, pictured in March 2025
Aircraft type	McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
Operator	UPS Airlines
IATA flight No.	5X2976
ICAO flight No.	UPS2976
Call sign	UPS 2976
Registration	N259UP^[1]
Flight origin	Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Destination	Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Occupants	3
Crew	3
Fatalities	3
Survivors	0
Ground fatalities	11
Ground injuries	15

UPS Airlines Flight 2976 was a scheduled domestic cargo flight from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu, Hawaii. On November 4, 2025, the aircraft operating the flight, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, suffered an engine separation during the takeoff roll and crashed into an industrial area shortly after takeoff, at about 5:13 p.m. local time. The crash killed 14 people, including all three on board the aircraft. The accident is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Background

Airline

UPS Airlines is the United States’ second-largest cargo airline (after FedEx Express).^[2] Founded in 1988, the company had suffered two fatal accidents before Flight 2976: UPS Airlines Flight 6 in 2010 and UPS Airlines Flight 1354 in 2013, both of which killed two people each.^[3]^[4]

Flight 2976 was a scheduled domestic cargo flight operated by UPS Airlines, from their hub in Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, an 8.5-hour flight.^[5]^[6]

Aircraft

The aircraft, N259UP, was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 BCF with manufacturer serial number 48417. The aircraft was first delivered to Thai Airways International in 1991 with the registration HS-TME,^[7] after which it was converted to a cargo aircraft and delivered to UPS Airlines in 2006. It was equipped with three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F engines.^[8]^[9]^[10] Beginning in September, it had been grounded for six weeks to repair a fuel tank which had a crack, and corrosion was later found along two structural beams in the fuselage.^[11]

Crew

The flight was operated by Captain Richard Wartenberg, who was a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel with the 445th Airlift Wing,^[12] First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond.^[13]^[14]

Accident

The crash viewed from a truck dash cam. The plane, first visible at 00:29, has just begun skidding on its left fuselage and is continuing to roll to the left.

The aircraft took off from runway 17R, heading south, on schedule at about 5:13 p.m. EST (UTC−5). Weather at the time was described as “pretty fair”.^[16] According to initial flight tracking data, the aircraft reached 175 feet (53 m) above ground level^[17]^{[failed verification]} and a maximum ground speed of 186 knots (344 km/h; 214 mph).^[9]

Seconds after becoming airborne, the aircraft started banking left and entered a sharp descent.^[18] The jet struck the roof of a UPS Supply Chain warehouse, leaving a 300-foot (90 m) gash. Its left wing then hit a stand of fuel tanks at the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling company’s depot^[16] causing a massive fire to erupt and the aircraft to roll more than 90 degrees to the left. Finally, the airplane crashed into a semi-truck parking area and an auto scrap yard, Grade A Auto Parts,^[19]^[20] its landing gear still extended.^[21] The debris field stretched for a half-mile.^[16] The left engine, which separated from the wing during the takeoff roll, was found on the grass beside runway 17R.^[22]^[23] The flight was not carrying hazardous cargo.^[24]

Multiple buildings were set on fire or destroyed and there were reports of people being trapped inside.^[26]^[27]

Two employees of the auto yard were initially reported as unaccounted for, and it was unknown how many customers were on the premises.^[28] UPS said three crew members were on board the aircraft.^[29]

Victims

The crash killed all three crew members on board the aircraft^[31] and another eleven on the ground, including a 3-year-old child.^[32]^[3]^[4]

Fifteen families initially reported missing relatives. On November 6, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg reported that six of the missing had been accounted for, leaving nine still missing.^[33] Two days later, Greenberg said that the missing people were believed to have been found.^[34]

The day after the crash, a spokesperson reported that fifteen people had been treated at UofL Health facilities, all but two of whom had been discharged.^[35]^[36]

Aftermath

All flights to and from the airport were immediately canceled.^[37] Louisville-Jefferson County Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place order centered on the airport with a radius of 5 miles (8 km). This was later reduced to 1 mi (1,600 m) by Louisville-Jefferson County Emergency Management. Wireless Emergency Alert messages were issued to those in the shelter-in-place area. At the last briefing of the day, Mayor Greenberg said that more than 100 firefighters were at the scene. Local police officials said families should not seek loved ones at hospitals, to avoid overwhelming them, but to visit a reunification center at the police training academy.^[38]^[39]

UPS temporarily suspended operations at its Worldport air hub.^[40]

The fire was nearly contained by 10:30 p.m., freeing up first responders to search for victims.^[41]

All public schools in the Jefferson County School District were closed the day after the crash.^[17]

The radius of the shelter-in-place order was reduced for the third time, effective at 7:30 a.m. on November 5, centered near 7501 Grade Lane, to 1⁄4 mi (400 m).^[42] The Louisville Metro Government set up a website for people to report and document debris, which they were urged not to touch, and numerous departures were delayed or canceled.^[42]

At 7:40 a.m. on November 5, Louisville International Airport announced that Runway 11/29 was open.^[43] UPS resumed operations from Louisville later that day.^[44]

The incident runway, 17R/35L, was reopened around 4:45 p.m. EST on November 6, returning the airfield to full operational status.^[45]

On November 8, UPS, FedEx, and Western Global Airlines temporarily grounded their respective MD-11 fleets “out of an abundance of caution” following instructions from their manufacturer, Boeing.^[46] This comprised 9% of UPS’s entire fleet^[47] as well as a similar number^{[clarification needed]} for FedEx.^[11] The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive (EAD) for MD-11 aircraft requiring inspections and any applicable corrective actions before flight. No corrective actions have been specified so far, effectively grounding the entire MD-11 fleet indefinitely.^[48]^[49]^[50]

Reactions

Kentucky U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul expressed their condolences to the victims.^[54] A town hall meeting in Louisville with U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris started with a moment of silence following the accident.^[55] Representative Morgan McGarvey expressed appreciation for the bravery of the first responders at the scene.^[56] State flags were flown at half-staff.^[16] UPS CEO Carol Tomé expressed her sadness over the accident and thanked the UPS team in Louisville for their professionalism.^[57]

The Big Four Bridge crossing the Ohio River between Louisville and Jeffersonville, Indiana, was illuminated in yellow, one of the main colors used by UPS, in solidarity.^[58]

Teamsters Local 89, which represents transportation and warehouse workers including UPS, held a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of the crash at the local union hall, which began with a moment of silence at 5:14 p.m., marking the time of the crash.^[59]

Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).^[60] The NTSB launched a go-team of 28 personnel.^[61] At a media briefing held on November 5, 2025, with board member Todd Inman serving as the on-scene spokesperson,^[62] they announced the recovery of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder.^[39] UPS Airlines announced it was in close contact with and cooperating with the NTSB and the FAA.^[13]

At a media briefing held on November 6, 2025, the NTSB announced that the last ADS-B message received at 5:13:32 p.m. EST (UTC−5) showed the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 475 feet (145 m) and a speed of 183 knots (339 km/h; 211 mph). A follow-up message relayed that this equated to approximately 100 feet (30 m) above ground level. They also confirmed that they were able to successfully download the data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, including for the accident flight.^[63] An NTSB spokesman said the CVR audio contained a persistent bell sound.^[64]

Notes

References

^ “FAA Registry (N259UP)”. Federal Aviation Administration.
^ Jeffrey, Rebecca (September 3, 2025). “Top 25 cargo carriers: Major gains in 2024”. Air Cargo News. Archived from the original on September 10, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Johnson, Marina. “Hear 911 dispatch audio from UPS Flight 2976 crash in Louisville”. Courier Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Searcy, Leigh (November 5, 2025). “Tuesday’s plane crash in Louisville marks the deadliest in UPS history”. LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX). Archived from the original on November 6, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ Shepardson, David; Lampert, Allison; Baertlein, Lisa (November 5, 2025). “Death Toll In Louisville UPS Plane Crash Rises To 9”. HuffPost. Reuters. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ Hradecky, Simon (November 5, 2025). “Crash: UPS MD11 at Louisville on Nov 4th 2025, burst into flames on takeoff”. The Aviation Herald. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ White, Jaedyn; Lee, Edward (November 4, 2025). “UPS MD-11 Crashes During Takeoff from Louisville”. Airways Mag. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
^ “UPS Cargo MD-11 Crashes Shortly After Departure from Louisville – Air Data News”. Air Data News. November 4, 2025. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Petchenik, Ian (November 5, 2025). “UPS MD-11 crashes departing Louisville”. Flightradar24 Blog. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “Aircraft Inquiry”. registry.faa.gov. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Brennan, Lyle; Katz, Benjamin (November 8, 2025). “FAA Orders Grounding of MD-11 Planes After Kentucky Crash”. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ Hauser, Christian (November 7, 2025). “NKY pilot who died in Louisville plane crash had distinguished military career”. WKRC. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
^ ^a ^b “UPS Statement on Aircraft Accident”. Newsroom. about.ups.com. UPS. November 6, 2025 [first published November 4, 2025]. Archived from the original on November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
^ Suckow, Alex (November 6, 2025). “UPS identifies 3 pilots on board plane that crashed in Louisville”. WLKY. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ “Shocking satellite images show trail of destruction after deadly UPS plane crash in Louisville”. November 6, 2025. Archived from the original on November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Mascarenhas, Lauren (November 6, 2025). “What NTSB investigators will examine to determine the cause of the Louisville UPS plane crash”. CNN. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Intarasuwan, Kiki (November 4, 2025). “UPS plane crashes near airport in Louisville, Kentucky, officials say”. Archived from the original on November 4, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “UPS plane crashes near Louisville international airport in Kentucky”. The Guardian. November 4, 2025. Archived from the original on November 4, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “At least four dead after cargo plane crashes at Kentucky airport, as flames engulf businesses – follow live”. BBC News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Kuzydym, Stephanie. “Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, Grade A Auto Parts hit by UPS plane crash. What to know”. The Courier-Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ Keck, Matthew (November 5, 2025). “UPS plane crashes at Louisville’s airport, causing explosion and massive fire”. WLKY. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “What could have caused UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky”. BBC News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Danya Gainor; Michelle Watson; Amanda Musa; Emma Tucker; Alexandra Skores; Pete Muntean; Cindy Von Quednow; Amanda Jackson; Jordan Brown. “Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 4 killed, 11 injured”. CNN. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “At least seven dead and 11 injured after UPS plane crashes near a Kentucky airport”. The Guardian. November 5, 2025. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Dubose, Casey (November 5, 2025). “ALG is investigating the UPS Flight 2976 Crash: Legal Questions and Next Steps”. Aviation Law Group, P.S. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
^ Muntean, Pete; Musa, Amanda; Tucker, Emma; Jackson, Amanda; Skores, Alexandra; Cooper, Aaron (November 4, 2025). “A UPS plane with 3 crew members crashed near the Louisville airport”. CNN. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ @BNONews (November 4, 2025). “Large Plane Crashes in Kentucky – UPS Flight 2976 with 3 on board – During take-off from Louisville – Massive explosions seen – Multiple buildings destroyed – Reports of people trapped – Rescue operation ongoing” (Tweet). Retrieved November 4, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ Helsel, Phil (November 5, 2025). “At least 3 dead after UPS plane crashes during takeoff at Louisville airport, governor says”. NBC News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville airport kills at least 7, injures 11”. CNBC. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “Live Flight Tracker – Real-Time Flight Tracker Map”.
^ Shepardson, David; Lampert, Allison; Baertlein, Lisa (November 6, 2025). “Investigators find ‘black boxes’ from UPS plane crash that killed at least 12”. Reuters. Archived from the original on November 6, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025. As of Wednesday evening, at least nine people were confirmed to have been killed on the ground, in addition to the three members of the plane’s crew who perished, according to authorities.
^ “Death toll rises to 14 after UPS plane crashed at Louisville airport: Officials”. ABC News. November 7, 2025. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
^ “UPS plane crash latest 9 still missing, 12 dead as search and recovery continues”. WHAS 11. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ “Louisville mayor says all missing victims of UPS plane crash have been found”. WDRB. November 8, 2025. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ “UPS plane crash death toll rises to at least 9, officials say”. NBC News. November 5, 2025. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Yan, Holly; Rose, Andy; Gainor, Danya; Musa, Amanda; Tucker, Emma; Skores, Alexandra; Muntean, Pete; Von Quednow, Cindy; Jackson, Amanda; Brown, Jordan. “2 burn patients in critical condition while 8 others are hospitalized”. CNN. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Yang, Maya; Clayton, Abené (November 5, 2025). “At least seven dead and 11 injured after UPS plane crashes near a Kentucky airport”. The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “Watch: Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, SDF officials provide updates on UPS plane crash”. The Courier Journal.
^ ^a ^b “UPS plane crash continues to impact Louisville Wednesday”. Louisville Public Media. November 5, 2025. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “At least seven dead after cargo plane crashes at Kentucky airport, as flames engulf businesses”. BBC News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ Fung, Esther (November 4, 2025). “UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Kentucky, Multiple Injuries Reported”. The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Roldan, Roberto (November 5, 2025). “UPS plane crash continues to impact Louisville Wednesday”. Louisville Public Media. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “Louisville International Airport”. Fly Louisville. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “UPS Worldport begins to resume operations”. WAVE3. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
^ Bolgan, Sarah. “Louisville airport now ‘fully operational’ after fatal UPS plane crash”. WHAS11. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
^ “UPS and FedEx ground MD-11s, the type of plane in Louisville crash”. NBC News. November 7, 2025. Archived from the original on November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ “US authorities ground cargo plane model after Kentucky air disaster”. www.bbc.com. November 8, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ @flightradar24 (November 8, 2025). “The FAA has just issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive for MD-11 aircraft requiring aircraft inspections and any applicable corrective actions before further flight” (Tweet). Retrieved November 8, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ “Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2025-23-51”. drs.faa.gov. Federal Aviation Administration. November 8, 2025. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ “Dynamic Regulatory System”. drs.faa.gov. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
^ Shepardson, David; Lampert, Allison (November 9, 2025). “FAA bars MD-11 flights after fiery UPS jet crash”. Reuters.
^ “FAA orders inspections of all MD-11 planes after crash that killed 14”. The Washington Post. November 8, 2025. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
^ “US airlines cancel flights after aviation agency directive to cut air traffic”. The Guardian. November 7, 2025.
^ Paul, Rand [@SenRandPaul] (November 4, 2025). “My team and I are closely monitoring the plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. We continue to pray for the safety of the aircrew, everyone in the area, and for the first-responders on the scene” (Tweet). Retrieved November 7, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ Aulbach, Lucas [@LucasAulbach] (November 4, 2025). “Somber start to tonight’s town hall in Louisville with U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris, announced last week, given what’s happening tonight in the city. Started with a moment of silence and a prayer from a UPS worker who’s in the crowd” (Tweet). Retrieved November 7, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ McGarvey, Morgan [@RepMcGarvey] (November 4, 2025). “Tonight, our community was rocked by a devastating plane crash at the Louisville airport. My heart breaks for the pilots, crew, and their families, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders as they continue their work throughout the night tonight to respond quickly and heroically to this horrific incident. We still do not have complete details on how this tragedy occurred, but I’ve spoken with the Chair of National Transportation Safety Board and will continue to stay in contact with state, local, and federal authorities to get answers and do what we can to help all those affected” (Tweet). Retrieved November 7, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ “UPS Statement on Aircraft Accident”. About UPS-US. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
^ “Big Four Bridge lit up yellow in honor of UPS plane crash”. wave3.com. November 5, 2025. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ “Community vigil planned to honor UPS plane crash victims”. WLKY. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ @FAANews (November 4, 2025). “UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change” (Tweet). Retrieved November 4, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ Jordan Brown; Danya Gainor; Michelle Watson; Amanda Musa; Emma Tucker; Alexandra Skores; Pete Muntean; Cindy Von Quednow; Amanda Jackson (November 4, 2025). “Live update: UPS plane crash near Louisville, Kentucky, airport, at least 7 killed, 11 injured”. CNN. Archived from the original on November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
^ @NTSB_Newsroom (November 4, 2025). “NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Tuesday’s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976 near Louisville, Kentucky. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow. A media briefing will be held tomorrow, with the time and location to be announced via this feed” (Tweet). Retrieved November 4, 2025 – via Twitter.
^ “UPS MD-11 Cargo Aircraft Crash, Louisville, KY”. YouTube. November 6, 2025. Archived from the original on November 6, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
^ “‘Persistent bell’ heard on cockpit voice recorder in UPS plane crash: NTSB”. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved November 8, 2025.
^ “UPS Flight 2976 Crash Sparks Comparisons to 1979’s Flight 191 Tragedy”.
^ “UPS MD-11F crash evokes spectre of American 191 but the depth of parallels is unclear”.
^ “Troubleshooters: UPS crash similar to 1979 DC-10 crash”.
^ “Left engine fell off plane during take-off before fatal Louisville crash”.

UPS Airlines Flight 2976: Difference between revisions

Background

Airline

Aircraft

Crew

Accident

Victims

Aftermath

Reactions

Investigation

See also

Notes

References

External links

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Background

Airline

Aircraft

Crew

Accident

Victims

Aftermath

Reactions

Investigation

See also

Notes

References

External links

Must Read

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply