UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky Kills 12, Engine Detached

Tragic Cargo Plane Crash Claims 12 Lives in Louisville

A devastating cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has claimed the lives of at least 12 people, with authorities warning the death toll may still rise. The UPS MD-11F freighter crashed shortly after takeoff on November 4, 2025, creating a massive fireball and debris field that stretched for half a mile.

Engine Separation During Takeoff

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that the left engine detached from the wing during the takeoff roll, leading to the catastrophic crash. 'We have clear video evidence showing the engine separating during takeoff, followed by a large plume of fire from the left wing area,' said NTSB member Todd Inman during a press conference.

The 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, operating as UPS Flight 2976 bound for Honolulu, managed to lift off and clear the runway fence before impacting structures off airport property. The crash triggered multiple explosions and fires, with approximately 25,000 gallons of jet fuel feeding the inferno.

Massive Emergency Response

Emergency crews from multiple jurisdictions responded to the scene, where they faced a complex rescue operation amid burning wreckage and toxic smoke. At least 10 people were hospitalized with injuries ranging from severe burns to inhalation injuries and trauma from flying debris.

'This is one of the most challenging scenes I've encountered in my career,' said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O'Neill. 'The combination of fire, structural collapse, and hazardous materials created an extremely dangerous environment for our first responders.'

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB has deployed a 28-member 'Go Team' to investigate the crash, with investigators expected to remain on scene for at least a week. Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered, though they sustained some heat damage.

Investigators are focusing on several key areas, including the engine separation mechanism, recent maintenance records, and the aircraft's operational history. 'We'll be examining every aspect of this aircraft's maintenance, particularly work performed in the past month,' Inman stated.

The MD-11, originally designed as a passenger aircraft, has been primarily used for cargo operations since its retirement from passenger service in 2014. According to Wikipedia, only 200 MD-11s were built, with approximately a quarter configured as freighters.

Community Impact and Recovery

The crash has devastated the Louisville community, with at least 16 families reporting missing loved ones. Two employees from an auto business hit by the crashing plane remain unaccounted for, and it's unclear how many customers were present at the time of impact.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency and promised full support for affected families. 'Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy,' Beshear said. 'We will do everything in our power to support them through this difficult time.'

The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though the full investigation could take 12 to 24 months to complete. This marks the deadliest incident in UPS Airlines' history and one of the most significant aviation accidents in recent years.