UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Kentucky After Takeoff
A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed near Louisville, Kentucky, yesterday evening, shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The flight, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was heading to Honolulu when the incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that three crew members were on board at the time. While UPS has not yet confirmed the extent of casualties, injuries have been reported, and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Videos captured from multiple sources, including CCTV and eyewitness footage, show the aircraft struggling shortly after takeoff. In one verified clip, the plane is seen tilting heavily, with its left wing dragging along the ground, before erupting in a massive fireball. Another video shows terrified onlookers in a moving car as the aircraft crashes, throwing up a wall of smoke and fire. Aerial footage later revealed the extent of destruction at the crash site in an industrial area south of the runway.
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Experts analyzing the footage have shared insights into what may have gone wrong. Retired airline pilot Terry Tozer suggested that the left engine appeared to have detached during takeoff, and severe damage may have caused the loss of thrust from a second engine, making it impossible to control the aircraft. Aviation expert Marco Chan noted that the left engine caught fire first, followed almost immediately by smoke from the upper center engine. He emphasized that losing two engines within seconds would have left the crew with no chance to stabilize or climb away.
The plane involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a freight transport aircraft originally built in 1991. Known for its wide-bodied design and three-engine layout, the MD-11 has primarily been used for cargo operations by companies like UPS, FedEx, and Lufthansa Cargo. The aircraft can carry more than 38,000 gallons of fuel and take off at a maximum weight of over 630,000 pounds. Originally a passenger jet, many MD-11s were later converted to freighters due to rising fuel costs.
The crash prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for all locations within five miles of the airport. Roads near the crash, including Grade Lane, were closed indefinitely as emergency crews worked to secure the area. The National Transportation Safety Board has been called in to lead the investigation, with the FAA providing support. Officials are closely analyzing the crash and gathering further evidence to determine the exact cause.
This devastating incident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation, even for experienced crews operating large cargo aircraft. As investigators continue their work, updates on the condition of the crew and the cause of the crash are expected in the coming days. The Louisville community and UPS employees have been deeply affected by this tragedy, and support services have been activated for those impacted.
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