A recent incident involving a UPS cargo plane has resulted in a devastating crash shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport in Kentucky. According to federal investigators, the plane's left wing caught fire, and an engine detached just before the aircraft crashed, leading to an explosion that claimed the lives of at least 12 individuals, including three crew members on board.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Todd Inman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), provided the first official details regarding this tragic event. He reported that there was a significant fire in the plane's left wing at the time of takeoff. The aircraft, which was departing for Honolulu from UPS Worldport, crashed around 5:15 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Inman described a debris field that extended for half a mile, emphasizing the extent of the destruction. Video footage captured during the incident illustrated flames erupting from the plane's left wing and a visible trail of smoke. Although the plane managed to lift off and gain sufficient altitude to clear the fence at the end of Runway 17R, it tragically impacted structures and terrain shortly thereafter.
Inman confirmed that the NTSB investigators recovered the plane's black boxes, which include the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, on Wednesday afternoon. He noted that while the black box experienced some heat exposure, it was not compromised, as these devices are designed to withstand such conditions. Inman expressed confidence that, once analyzed at their lab in D.C., the data retrieved would provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash.
The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a 1991 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Freighter, which had undergone modifications in its lifecycle. Inman highlighted that Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, is currently handling the plane. He explained that the involvement of Boeing in this investigation is a direct result of their historical connection to McDonnell Douglas.
The crash had significant repercussions beyond the immediate fatalities, as it triggered smaller explosions at Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and affected an auto salvage yard, Grade A Auto Parts. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear remarked on the fortunate circumstances, noting that a nearby local restaurant was spared from damage and is now aiding in the search and rescue efforts. He added that the crash could have had more catastrophic consequences, including potential impacts on the major Ford factory or the convention center located nearby.
Initially, the death toll was reported at 11, but Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg indicated that it was expected to rise to 12 as the situation developed. Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas, reviewing video footage of the crash, suggested that the aircraft appeared to struggle for altitude while engulfed in flames. He described the situation as perilous, equating the aircraft to "almost acting like a bomb" due to the substantial amount of fuel on board.
Flight records indicate that the plane had been grounded in San Antonio from September 3 to October 18, raising questions about its maintenance history. Jeff Guzzetti, a former federal crash investigator, noted that it is too early to determine the exact cause of the crash, whether it was related to the engine, its mounting structure, or another component. Investigators will need to thoroughly examine the aircraft's maintenance records, especially since the MD-11F is powered by General Electric CF6-80C2D1F engines, which have been linked to several notable airline incidents in the past.
In conclusion, the investigation into the tragic crash of the UPS cargo plane is ongoing, with NTSB teams actively working to uncover the factors that led to this devastating event. The insights gained from the black boxes and the meticulous review of maintenance records will be critical in understanding what transpired during this fatal flight.
