Tragic UPS Cargo Plane Crash Shakes Louisville Airport
A catastrophic engine failure resulted in the most devastating crash in UPS Airlines history. Flight 2976 met with a tragic end shortly after its takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, which was en route to Honolulu, experienced a left engine separation. This unfortunate event triggered a massive fire and explosion, claiming the lives of at least 12 people. The victims included the three crew members and nine individuals on the ground.
The 1991-built aircraft, registered as N259UP, was loaded with thousands of gallons of fuel for the long-distance flight. The engine detached during the takeoff roll, leading to the catastrophic event.
NTSB investigators have managed to recover both black boxes and are currently scrutinizing airport CCTV footage that captured the engine separation. The crash has led to a shelter-in-place order and temporarily halted operations at one of America’s busiest cargo airports.
Boeing, which took over McDonnell Douglas in 1997, has extended technical assistance to the ongoing investigation.
Source: ABC News