Latest Update: UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport

A tragic ups plane crash occurred near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, 2025. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet operated by UPS went down shortly after takeoff, igniting a massive fire and sending thick smoke into the sky.

Louisville police confirmed that several injuries were reported, though officials have not released details on their severity. The crash prompted a large-scale emergency response and a temporary shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius of the airport.

Confirmed Details About the UPS Plane Crash

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the UPS aircraft was en route from Louisville to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. The crash happened at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, close to UPS’s Worldport hub facility.

UPS issued a statement confirming that one of its planes was involved in the incident. The company said it was cooperating with investigators and expressed deep concern for the flight crew and their families. Firefighters worked for hours to control the flames, while debris from the wreckage spread across a wide area surrounding the airport.

The airport’s operations were temporarily halted to allow emergency teams to contain the fire and secure the scene. Flights were delayed or diverted to nearby airports as safety protocols remained in place.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called the situation “serious” and thanked first responders for their rapid action. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have begun a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators will review the flight data recorder, maintenance records, and weather reports from the time of the incident.

Investigation and Broader Impact

This ups plane crash has drawn national attention because Louisville is home to UPS’s global air logistics center, known as Worldport. The hub handles millions of packages daily, and any disruption there can have ripple effects across the global delivery network. UPS has not yet commented on potential operational impacts.

Aviation experts note that the MD-11 model has a complex flight profile and has been involved in other hard-landing and takeoff incidents in the past. The investigation will likely examine whether technical or human factors played a role. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with light winds.

Residents near the crash site reported hearing loud booms followed by a large fireball. Authorities urged people to stay indoors until the fire was under control due to concerns about hazardous fumes and debris.

The latest update confirms that the ups plane crash remains under active investigation. Officials expect to release additional details once the recovery operation and data analysis are complete.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused the ups plane crash near Louisville?

The exact cause is still under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Preliminary reports suggest no immediate signs of foul play.

Q2: Were there any survivors in the ups plane crash?

Authorities confirmed injuries, but the total number of survivors has not yet been announced.

Q3: What type of plane was involved in the ups plane crash?

The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a wide-body cargo jet commonly used for long-haul freight operations.

Q4: How is UPS responding after the ups plane crash?

UPS stated that it is working closely with investigators and providing full support to first responders and affected families.

Q5: Who is leading the ups plane crash investigation?

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are jointly handling the investigation.

References

Associated Press. (2025). UPS cargo plane crashes near Louisville airport; investigation underway. November 4, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). Louisville airport confirms UPS aircraft crash; FAA and NTSB respond. November 4, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). UPS plane crash in Kentucky sparks fire and investigation. November 4, 2025.