Louisville, Kentucky, November 27, 2025
A devastating crash involving a UPS MD-11 cargo plane occurred shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the death of 14 individuals, including three crew members and 11 people on the ground. The aircraft experienced catastrophic failure due to structural fatigue, leading to a fire and a massive explosion upon impact. The FAA has since grounded all MD-11 and DC-10 models while investigations continue.
Louisville, KY – UPS MD-11 Cargo Plane Crash Claims 14 Lives
Louisville, Kentucky – A tragic accident occurred on November 4, 2025, when a UPS MD-11 cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 14 individuals on board and 11 people on the ground.
Crash Details
The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it experienced a catastrophic failure during takeoff. The left engine detached from the wing, leading to a fire and the plane’s subsequent crash into an industrial area near the airport. The impact caused a massive explosion, destroying nearby structures and vehicles. The crash resulted in 14 fatalities, including all three crew members and 11 individuals on the ground. Additionally, 23 people sustained injuries, with two classified as serious and 21 as minor. The victims included a three-year-old child and her grandfather. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary findings from the NTSB indicate that fatigue cracks were present in a critical support structure—the left pylon aft mount lug—of the aircraft. These cracks led to the failure of one side of the pylon’s supports, causing overstress on the other side and eventual structural failure. The aircraft had recently undergone maintenance in Texas but had not flown enough cycles to trigger detailed part inspections. Investigators are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history to determine why the fatigue cracks went undetected.
Fleet Grounding and Future Implications
In response to the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft models, which share similar design characteristics. This grounding is expected to remain in effect until 2026, pending further investigations and necessary repairs. Both UPS and FedEx, which collectively operate over 50 MD-11 jets, are leasing or deploying alternative aircraft to manage peak holiday delivery demand. The grounding has raised concerns about the future of the aging MD-11 fleet, with discussions about potential retirement or costly repairs underway.
Community Response
The Louisville community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. A candlelight vigil was held by Teamsters Local 89, which represents transportation and warehouse workers, to honor the victims. The city has also offered tributes, including illuminating the Big Four Bridge in yellow, one of the main colors used by UPS, in solidarity.
Environmental Impact
Following the crash, environmental concerns arose due to the release of hazardous materials from the wreckage. The Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) reported that approximately 880,000 gallons of oily liquids and other runoff had been contained. Waterways in the affected area continue to be monitored, with advisories in place to avoid fishing, swimming, or kayaking in these waters.
Background on UPS Airlines
UPS Airlines is the United States’ second-largest cargo airline, operating a fleet that includes MD-11 aircraft. The company has a history of safety incidents, with previous accidents in 2010 and 2013, each resulting in two fatalities. The current investigation into Flight 2976 is ongoing, with the NTSB expected to release a final report in about a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the UPS MD-11 cargo plane to crash in Louisville?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found evidence of fatigue cracks in a critical support structure—the left pylon aft mount lug—of the aircraft. These cracks led to the failure of one side of the pylon’s supports, causing overstress on the other side and eventual structural failure.
How many people were on board the UPS Flight 2976, and what were the casualties?
The aircraft was carrying three crew members, all of whom perished in the crash. Additionally, 11 individuals on the ground lost their lives, bringing the total fatalities to 14. Twenty-three people sustained injuries, with two classified as serious and 21 as minor.
What actions have been taken regarding the MD-11 fleet following the crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft models, which share similar design characteristics. This grounding is expected to remain in effect until 2026, pending further investigations and necessary repairs. Both UPS and FedEx, which collectively operate over 50 MD-11 jets, are leasing or deploying alternative aircraft to manage peak holiday delivery demand.
What environmental impact did the UPS plane crash have?
Following the crash, environmental concerns arose due to the release of hazardous materials from the wreckage. The Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) reported that approximately 880,000 gallons of oily liquids and other runoff had been contained. Waterways in the affected area continue to be monitored, with advisories in place to avoid fishing, swimming, or kayaking in these waters.
Key Features of the UPS MD-11 Cargo Plane Crash
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | McDonnell Douglas MD-11F |
| Flight Number | UPS Flight 2976 |
| Crash Date | November 4, 2025 |
| Location | Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Fatalities | 14 (3 crew members, 11 on the ground) |
| Injuries | 23 (2 serious, 21 minor) |
| Investigation Lead | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
| FAA Action | Grounding of MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft models until 2026 |
| Environmental Impact | Containment of approximately 880,000 gallons of hazardous runoff |
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