On November 4, 2025, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a complex investigation into its cause. The incident has deeply impacted the local community and disrupted shipping operations at one of the company's most critical hubs.
Here is a summary of the key facts of the incident.
Aspect Details
Flight & Aircraft UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 cargo jet (registration N259UP) built in 1991.
Route & Mission Departed from Louisville, KY (SDF) bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, HI (HNL).
Date & Time Approximately 5:15 PM EST on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
People Onboard Three crew members were on the flight.
Ground Casualties At least 12 fatalities, with a child believed to be among the victims. At least 15 people were injured.
Investigating Body The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
✈️ How the Crash Unfolded
The sequence of events was rapid and catastrophic. During takeoff from runway 17R, the left wing of the aircraft caught fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the left engine detached from the wing and was found on the airfield beside the runway.
Despite the failure, the aircraft managed to become briefly airborne, climbing to about 175 feet and clearing the airport fence before it veered and crashed into an industrial area adjacent to the airport. The plane, which was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel for the long-haul flight to Honolulu, erupted into a massive fireball upon impact. The crash and subsequent fire damaged at least two buildings—Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts—creating a debris field that stretched nearly half a mile.
🔍 The Investigation and Response
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency to mobilize state resources quickly, including the National Guard. He also launched the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to provide financial support to the victims and their families. Governor Beshear described the scene as "violent," noting that the operation has transitioned from rescue to recovery, with no survivors expected to be found.
The NTSB has taken the lead in the investigation. An "go-team" has arrived on the scene and successfully recovered the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—commonly known as the black boxes. The investigation will thoroughly examine the aircraft's maintenance records, with early records indicating the 34-year-old aircraft underwent maintenance in San Antonio until mid-October.
🚚 Operational and Community Impact
The crash has had immediate and significant ripple effects:
· Shipping Disruptions: UPS cancelled its Second Day Air sort at its Worldport hub in Louisville, one of the largest package sorting facilities in the world. The company has stated that shipping delays are expected but that contingency plans are in place.
· Airport Operations: Package sorting at the Worldport facility was halted. While passenger flights at the Louisville airport have resumed, operations were initially limited to a single runway, causing a backlog of flights.
· Community Trauma: Louisville Metro Police established a victim family reunification center. The University of Louisville Hospital, which houses the state's only burn unit, treated over a dozen patients for injuries ranging from severe burns to blast injuries and smoke inhalation.
This tragedy continues to be deeply felt in Louisville and beyond. As the NTSB continues its investigation, the community is coming together to support the victims, their families, and the first responders who bravely faced the disaster.
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