A UPS cargo plane crashed just seconds after taking off from Louisville, Kentucky, Tuesday, sending a fireball into an industrial area near the airport.
The plane was bound for Hawaii when it crashed. Officials confirmed at least 12 people had died, while Kentucky’s governor warned the death toll would rise.
The MD-11 cargo ship was bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, with three crew members on board.
Here’s what we know:
What happened in Louisville?
UPS Flight 2976 crashed on Tuesday at approximately 5:20 p.m. (22:20 GMT) shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport.
After climbing to an altitude of just 50 meters (164 feet), it crashed into an industrial area less than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the airport’s borders.
According to reports, the plane veered off the runway and crashed into several nearby structures. It had 144,000 liters (38,000 gallons) of fuel on board at the time of the crash.
Aviation lawyer Pablo Rojas told The Associated Press: “There’s very little to contain the flames and the plane itself is almost acting like a bomb because of the amount of fuel.”
UPS and FedEx still use several MD-11 cargo jets, a model last manufactured in 2000. Both companies are gradually retiring their aircraft in favor of newer, more efficient aircraft.
Where did the UPS plane crash?
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Louisville, near the Indiana border.
The airport is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and is just a short distance from several local landmarks.
The plane hit two businesses near the airport: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling Co. and Grade A Auto Parts, an auto salvage yard. Thousands of workers at the nearby Ford Motor Assembly Plant build SUVs, and although there was no direct damage, there was a temporary power outage.
The airport resumed operations on Wednesday, with at least one runway open.
How did the plane crash?
The plane climbed to an altitude of about 53 meters (175 feet) and reached a speed of 184 knots before suddenly descending, according to Flightradar24 data.
During or shortly after the takeoff roll, surveillance footage and initial investigation revealed that the left engine was detached from the wing. A fire broke out in the left wing area, which may have been caused or exacerbated by engine separation.
The plane took off and went over the edge of the runway fence, but then crashed into a nearby industrial building outside the airport grounds, causing a fireball and field of debris to spread for about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles).
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials said at a news conference Wednesday that the engine was found on the ground at the airport.
NTSB Commissioner Todd Inman said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon that “surveillance footage from airport surveillance cameras shows the left engine detached from the wing during the takeoff roll.”
Local media reports said the incident set off a devastating chain reaction that caused a small explosion at the Kentucky Oil Recycling Plant.
The plane, which began service with UPS in 2006, flew from Louisville to Baltimore early Tuesday before returning to Louisville, according to Flight Radar 24.
Former federal accident investigator Jeff Gazzetti told The Associated Press that it’s too early to tell whether the problem in the crash was caused by the engine itself, the structure supporting the engine or another part of the plane.
“It’s possible that the engine partially came off and tore the fuel line. Or it’s possible that a fuel leak ignited and burned out the engine. It’s too early to tell,” he said.
Investigators said they found the plane’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, a so-called black box, and plan to take the equipment to Washington, D.C., for analysis.
What do we know about the victims?
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged that 12 people had died, but warned that 16 families had reported missing loved ones.
Beshear said he did not know the status of the three UPS crew members on the cargo plane. It is not clear whether they are counted among the dead.
Eleven other people were injured and are being treated in hospital, but local officials said the number could rise.
Beshear said at a news conference that authorities are still searching for the missing, but there is no longer any hope of finding survivors. He added that young children were also believed to be among the victims.
We regret that the death toll has increased to 12 and that several people are still missing.
No one should face tragedy alone. Please hug your loved ones and check on your neighbors. We will continue to provide resources and support…
— Mayor Craig Greenberg (@LouisvilleMayor) November 6, 2025
