Deadly UPS Crash Claims Seven Lives in Kentucky
A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, killing all three crew members and four people on the ground. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976 to Honolulu, went down at approximately 5:13 PM EST in an industrial area just beyond the airport perimeter.
Dramatic Footage Shows Engine Fire
Video footage circulating on social media shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude with visible flames and smoke coming from the left wing area. Witnesses reported seeing the plane reach only about 175 feet before descending sharply to the left and crashing. 'We saw flames coming from the left side of the plane as it was taking off, and it just couldn't climb,' said local resident Mark Thompson, who witnessed the incident from his workplace nearby.
The aircraft impacted the roof of a UPS warehouse and skidded through a semi-truck parking area, setting multiple buildings on fire including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. The crash triggered a massive explosion and fuel-fed fire that sent towering black smoke over the airport area.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, with firefighters battling the blaze for over an hour. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the tragic death toll and warned of ongoing dangers. 'This is still a very dangerous situation with various flammable and potentially explosive materials. Do not go to the crash site,' Beshear stated during a press conference.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash, with about 28 investigators expected to arrive in Louisville. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also participating in the investigation. According to Wikipedia records, this marks one of the deadliest cargo plane accidents in recent US aviation history.
Aging Aircraft and Safety Concerns
The crashed aircraft was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F that had been in UPS service since 2006. The MD-11, first launched in 1990, is being phased out by UPS in favor of newer Boeing aircraft. Aviation safety expert Dr. Sarah Johnson commented, 'The MD-11 has a challenging flight profile and requires careful handling, especially during takeoff and landing phases. This incident will likely accelerate retirement timelines for older cargo aircraft.'
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as UPS's global air hub, processing over 300 flights daily. The facility, known as Worldport, is the third-busiest cargo airport in the United States. Following the crash, UPS suspended operations at the hub and the airport remained closed until further notice.
The crash has deeply affected the Louisville community, where UPS employs thousands of workers. Local authorities have established a family assistance center and are providing support to those affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues as officials work to determine the exact cause of the engine failure that led to this devastating accident.