A UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening, resulting in seven reported fatalities and 11 injuries. The aircraft, identified as UPS flight 2976, was bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, and was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel. The incident led to the engulfment of nearby businesses and prompted a shelter-in-place order, which has since been reduced.
Incident Details
On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane crashed while departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident occurred around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT). The aircraft skidded off the runway and impacted nearby buildings. The plane was identified as UPS flight 2976, destined for Honolulu, Hawaii. It was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel at the time of the crash. The event led to at least two nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company, being engulfed.
Casualties
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that seven people were killed in the crash. Additionally, at least 11 other individuals sustained injuries. Governor Beshear stated that the plane's three crew members were likely among the deceased. Officials indicated that individuals suffered serious injuries, and the fatality count could increase.
Emergency Response and Impact
Smoke was observed at the crash site. A five-mile shelter-in-place order was initially issued due to potential hazards from explosions and air pollution; this order was later reduced to one mile. All departing flights for Tuesday evening were canceled. Louisville Fire Dept Chief Brian O'Neill reported that the fire was largely contained, with crews remaining at the crash site. He noted that hundreds of personnel from the region were deployed for containment and to conduct a grid-by-grid search for potential victims. Governor Beshear advised the public to avoid the crash site due to the presence of flammable and potentially explosive materials.
Investigation
Governor Beshear declined to speculate on the cause of the incident, confirming that the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) would lead the investigation. The NTSB investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday. Louisville Metro Police Dept Chief Paul Humphrey stated that the crash site would remain an active scene for several days, noting that the duration required to secure the scene for investigation was unknown.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was an MD-11F, a triple-engine jet. It began service 34 years ago with Thai Airways as a passenger jet before being transferred to UPS in 2006. The MD-11F was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, which merged with Boeing in 1997. MD-11 aircraft measure over 61 meters in length with a 52-meter wingspan. In 2023, FedEx and UPS announced plans to retire their MD-11 fleets over the next decade as part of fleet modernization efforts. Boeing released a statement offering support to its customer and expressing concern for those affected, adding that it would provide technical assistance to the NTSB.