On November 4, 2025, a UPS MD‑11F freighter (flight 2976) crashed moments after takeoff from Louisville International Airport. The aircraft, carrying roughly 38,000 gallons of fuel, departed for Honolulu at about 5:13 p.m. local time and struck the runway before a catastrophic fire consumed the aircraft. The impact killed all three crew members on board and, according to preliminary reports, resulted in at least nine confirmed deaths on the ground, with 16 families reporting missing loved ones.
The crash forced the closure of Louisville International Airport for the remainder of the day and triggered a temporary flight restriction covering a five‑mile radius and 10,000‑foot altitude until 7 a.m. on November 5. Eleven people on the ground were injured, some critically, and the incident disrupted operations at UPS’s Worldport hub, the company’s largest air‑hub and the world’s biggest automated package‑sorting facility.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board immediately dispatched investigation teams. Early evidence points to the left engine separating from the wing during the take‑off roll, followed by an onboard fire that led to the crash. The investigation will examine mechanical failure, maintenance records, and flight‑deck data to determine the root cause.
UPS has confirmed that the aircraft was part of its own fleet and has pledged full cooperation with investigators. The incident has prompted a safety review of the MD‑11 fleet, an older aircraft type that UPS is gradually phasing out in favor of newer, twin‑engine freighters. The crash may also lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and higher insurance premiums for UPS, as well as operational disruptions at the Louisville hub that could affect package delivery schedules nationwide.
Management has expressed deep sorrow for the victims and emphasized its commitment to safety. UPS’s spokesperson stated that the company is working closely with the NTSB and FAA to understand the incident and to implement any necessary safety improvements. The company also noted that contingency plans are in place to mitigate delivery delays while the investigation proceeds.
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