Update on UPS plane that killed 9 people
In this DML Report…
A 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky overnight on Tuesday, resulting in a massive post-impact fire spanning nearly half a mile. The incident occurred during the takeoff roll on runway 17R when the left engine detached from the wing, causing a large plume of fire in the left wing area. The plane, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, lifted off and cleared the airport fence before impacting terrain and striking two local businesses: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Autoparts. The aircraft had undergone fuel tank repairs in September, according to flight records. Dramatic dashcam footage captured the crash, showing the plane engulfed in flames upon impact.
Nine people were killed in the crash, including the three crew members on board and six individuals on the ground who were employees at the affected businesses. Initial reports confirmed four ground fatalities, with two additional bodies discovered later during recovery efforts. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill reported the ground deaths, while first responders, including the coroner, worked overnight at the scene. The airport was shut down following the crash, canceling Tuesday flights, but resumed operations on Wednesday morning with priority given to delayed departures. Some Wednesday flights remained grounded.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, having reviewed airport CCTV footage that shows the engine detaching during takeoff. An NTSB official stated: "After being cleared for takeoff, a large plume of fire in the area of the left wing occurred during the takeoff roll. The plane lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear the fence at the end of runway 17R. Shortly after clearing that fence, it made impact with structures and the terrain off of the airport property." It remains unclear if the detachment resulted from a mechanical fault or external factor. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the death toll and noted the NTSB's imminent arrival, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the impact on the businesses and the accounting of all employees.