video screenshot

 

An MD-11 UPS plane crashed shortly after take-off near Louisville, Kentucky, with ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was heading to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport when it went down just after 5 p.m. local time. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed that injuries have been reported, and responses are underway.

 

The incident occurred near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, a crucial hub for UPS, where over 12,000 staff process upwards of two million packages daily. Emergency services have asked residents within a five-mile radius to stay indoors, as authorities manage the situation. Videos captured by CNN affiliate WAVE depict a significant plume of smoke rising from the area, not far from the airport's tarmac.

 

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a widely used freighter operated by companies like UPS, FedEx Express, and Lufthansa Cargo, was the aircraft involved. Originally a passenger airplane until fuel costs led to its conversion into a freight transport, the MD-11 can carry up to 38,000 gallons of fuel and has a maximum take-off weight of 633,000 pounds. The closure of Grade Lane near the crash site has been announced, affecting traffic between Stooges and Crittenden.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A UPS MD-11 crashed shortly after take-off near Louisville.
• The NTSB and FAA are conducting a thorough investigation.
• Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-05

 

 

Video on X appears to show the left engine fell off during take off roll. Plane barely got off the ground but presumably past decision speed to abort 😞

My condolences to the bereaved bummer.

UPDATE
At Least Three Dead in UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky

 

Picture courtesy of Associated Press

 

A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded in a massive fireball while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the numbers were likely to rise as emergency teams continued to search the scene. The crash forced the immediate closure of the airport and prompted a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

 

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, built in 1991, was departing for Honolulu from UPS’s Worldport hub when it went down at around 17.15. Video of the plane on take off shows a fire in the wing area, believe to be an engine. The impact damaged nearby buildings, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and an auto parts business, both of which caught fire.

 

Governor Beshear described the incident as a “catastrophic crash” and confirmed that emergency responders were dealing with an “all hands on deck” situation. “We believe we have at least three fatalities, though I believe that number is going to get larger, we don’t know the status of the three crew members aboard the plane,” he said, adding that several of the 11 injured were in serious condition. Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey said it was unclear how long it would take to secure the area, with fires still burning hours after the explosion.

 

UPS Worldport is one of the company’s largest logistics centres, employing thousands of workers, operating about 300 flights daily and sorting more than 400,000 packages per hour. Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe said many local residents were anxious for news.

 

Witnesses described the moment of impact as “unbelievable.” Tom Brooks Jr., who runs a nearby recycling business, said the explosion “rocked the whole place,” while another witness said it “looked like a war zone.” Residents reported hearing a loud boom that shook buildings and left people rushing home in fear.

 

Authorities confirmed that around 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of aviation fuel were on board, weighing roughly 100,000 kilograms. Firefighters continued to battle the blaze late into the night, warning the public to stay clear of the area. Governor Beshear said no hazardous cargo was involved, but the petroleum fire itself posed environmental concerns. Airport operations are expected to remain suspended until at least the following morning.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A UPS cargo plane crashed on take-off from Louisville airport, killing at least three and injuring 11.

• The crash set off large fires involving nearby industrial buildings, forcing an airport shutdown.

• Authorities warn casualty numbers may rise as recovery efforts continue.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from APnews 2025-11-05

 

 

Cargo Jet Crashes in Kentucky, Erupts Into Fireball After Takeoff

Another thread with some more details.

 

 

 

Security camera showing UPS Flight 2976 crashing in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

 

UPDATE
UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Louisville, Killing at Least Four

 

Picture courtesy of Flightradar

 

A UPS cargo plane has crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leaving a fiery trail of destruction through nearby businesses and roads. A massive plume of thick black smoke stretched for miles. Police confirmed at least four deaths and 11 injuries, warning that the toll could rise as the investigation continues.

 

The aircraft involved was flown commercial by Thai Airways, registration HS-TME, from delivery from the factory on 15 July 1991 to be withdrawn from service in February 2006. The aircraft was purchased by UPS and used since 29 June 2006.

File picture of the aircraft in its Thai Airways days.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, is a model now used mainly for freight operations because of its large capacity. Once a passenger aircraft, the MD-11 was retired from passenger service after 2014 when KLM operated the last recorded commercial flight. Boeing ended production in 2000 after building 200 units, with the final delivery made in 2001.

 

The MD-11 has a history of notable incidents. In 1998, Swissair flight 111, operating as a passenger MD-11, crashed off Nova Scotia following an in-flight fire above the flight deck ceiling, killing all 215 passengers and 14 crew members. In 2010, a Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 crashed while landing in Saudi Arabia, and in 2016, another UPS MD-11F experienced a nose gear collapse after overrunning a runway in Seoul.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash of UPS flight 2976. The NTSB will lead the probe and has deployed a “go-team” scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday. Authorities are working to contact the families of those affected and to determine what caused the fiery accident.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• At least four people have died and 11 were injured after a UPS MD-11F cargo plane crashed in Louisville.

• The FAA and NTSB are investigating, with a specialist team arriving on Wednesday.

• The MD-11 model has a history of accidents and was discontinued in 2000 after limited commercial success.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now 2025-11-05

 

 

That's just sad, and the death toll is rising as they get to the buildings that are involved in the fires.  AP's reporting at least 7 dead with an unknown number trapped in buildings.

 

At least 7 dead, 11 injured in UPS plane crash in Kentucky | AP News

 

https://apnews.com/

 

Edit:  Not much on topic, but our UPS delivery driver in Galveston was an absolute gem.  He had a great work ethic and an amazing sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

6 hours ago, Tug said:

My condolences to the bereaved bummer.

What?

Looks familiar.

 

 

UPDATE
UPS Cargo Plane Bursts Into Flames at Louisville Airport, Seven Dead

 

Pictures courtesy of The Aviation Herald

 

A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on 4 November 2025, killing all three crew members and four people on the ground. The aircraft, registered N259UP, was operating flight 5X-2976 from Louisville, Kentucky to Honolulu, Hawaii when it went down just beyond runway 17R at approximately 17:15 local time. Eleven people on the ground were also injured, several seriously.

 

According to preliminary reports, the wide-body freighter failed to become airborne during takeoff. ADS-B data indicated the aircraft reached about 185 knots near the runway’s aiming markers but never lifted off. The jet crashed roughly 0.57 nautical miles past the runway end, veering slightly left of the extended centreline before erupting in flames.

 

Eyewitnesses and photographic evidence revealed that engine #1 (left engine), a General Electric CF6, detached from the airframe during rotation. The separation reportedly damaged or disabled the centre engine (#2). The aircraft, carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel, briefly climbed to around 175 feet above ground level before descending rapidly, impacting several UPS facilities and nearby businesses.

 

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the casualties, saying the aircraft struck two commercial properties near the airport. “Three crew members aboard the aircraft and four individuals on the ground have died,” he said, adding that the death toll may rise as emergency teams continue to assess the scene. Eleven more people were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

 

The FAA stated that the aircraft had been cleared for departure and handed off to the departure frequency but never established contact. Witnesses reported the flight had been delayed for approximately two hours earlier in the day for maintenance work on the left-hand engine, which later separated during takeoff.

 

UPS confirmed the incident and temporarily halted package-sorting operations at its Louisville hub, one of the largest air freight centres in the United States. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a go-team to investigate the crash, led by Board Member Todd Inman, who will serve as the on-scene spokesperson.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A UPS MD-11 cargo jet crashed after takeoff from Louisville, killing seven people and injuring eleven.

• Investigators believe the left engine detached during takeoff, causing catastrophic failure and loss of control.

• The NTSB and FAA have opened a full investigation; UPS suspended operations at its main Louisville hub.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from AVherald 2025-11-05

 

 

3 hours ago, emptypockets said:

What?

punctuation

UPDATE
11 Dead After UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Kentucky

 

Pictures courtesy of BBC

 

At least 11 people have died after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities, warning that the death toll could rise and may include a child. The aircraft caught fire shortly after takeoff at around 17:15 local time, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the plane’s left engine ignited and detached from the wing during takeoff, triggering a massive blaze. The MD-11F aircraft briefly became airborne before striking several businesses near the airport, including a petroleum recycling company. More than a dozen people sustained injuries from burns, shrapnel and smoke inhalation, while multiple victims remain unaccounted for.

 

Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to accelerate deployment of emergency management and National Guard resources. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that the airport’s runway has reopened, though the crash site remains restricted. At least 16 families have reported missing relatives and two workers from one of the affected businesses are still unaccounted for.

 

NTSB official Todd Inman said investigators have recovered both the cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Surveillance footage showed the left engine separating from the wing during the takeoff roll, though the cause of the failure remains under investigation. Kentucky Representative Morgan McGarvey noted that 28 NTSB personnel are analysing evidence to determine what led to the disaster.

 

 

The plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was 34 years old and previously operated by Thai Airways before joining the UPS fleet in 2006. It was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel bound for Hawaii, which intensified the fire and caused what witnesses described as “raining oil.” Boeing, which absorbed McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said it is assisting investigators and expressed concern for those affected.

 

A shelter-in-place order covering a five-mile radius was initially imposed due to fears of explosions and air pollution but was later reduced to one mile. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the site will remain an active investigation zone for several days, citing ongoing hazards from flammable debris. UPS said it is “terribly saddened” by the tragedy and has temporarily suspended operations at its Worldport facility, the company’s largest global cargo hub.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A UPS MD-11F cargo plane crashed during takeoff in Louisville, killing at least 11 people.

• The left engine detached mid-takeoff, sparking a large fire and damaging nearby businesses.

• Investigators have recovered the black boxes, but the cause remains under investigation.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC2025-11-05

 

 

17 hours ago, emptypockets said:

What?

That’s the normal thing to express to the people who lost loved ones what’s the problem grammer police?

1 minute ago, Tug said:

That’s the normal thing to express to the people who lost loved ones what’s the problem grammer police?

I don't understand you initial comment

Condolences to the bummer

 

Who are what is the bummer?

In remembrance

MD11

September 2nd, 1998

229 deaths on Swissair flight 111 from New York.

Worst MD11 and Swissair disaster.

Fire in the ceiling/electronics.

Flammable materials been used.

The left engine fell off after it had been worked on before.

Botch job?

 

UPS, FedEx Ground MD-11  Jets After Kentucky Air Disaster

 

 

MD-11 Engine Separation Images

 

 

4 minutes ago, Captain Flack said:

MD-11 Engine Separation Images