Louisville UPS Plane Crash: Engine Detached Before Fatal Accident

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The accident happened on Tuesday evening, November 5th. It resulted in multiple fatalities and a large fire.

Federal investigators confirm the jet’s engine fell off before impact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe. Recovery teams have retrieved the aircraft’s crucial black boxes.

Investigation Focuses on Catastrophic Engine Failure

NTSB member Todd Inman provided key details on Wednesday. He cited airport security video as evidence. The footage shows the left engine detaching during the takeoff roll.

A large fire then developed on the plane’s left wing. The aircraft, bound for Honolulu, managed to clear the airport fence. It crashed just off airport property near local businesses.

The crash site is scattered with debris. “There are a lot of different parts of this airplane in a lot of different places,” Inman stated. This complicates the initial recovery and investigation efforts.

According to the Associated Press, the plane had three crew members on board. Officials do not expect to find any survivors. The death toll is confirmed but may change.

Community and Official Response to the Disaster

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragic event. He noted the crash narrowly missed a populated restaurant and major industrial sites. This included a large Ford factory and a convention center.

First responders faced secondary explosions at nearby facilities. These included a petroleum recycling plant and an auto parts yard. The firefighting and recovery operation was massive and complex.

The broader impact centers on air cargo safety and community trauma. UPS Worldport in Louisville is a global shipping hub. This incident will prompt scrutiny of maintenance and inspection protocols for cargo fleets.

For Louisville residents, the crash is a shocking tragedy. It marks a severe incident for an airport that is critical to the local economy. The investigation’s findings will be awaited by the aviation industry and the public alike.

The Louisville plane crash investigation remains in its early evidence-gathering phase. Findings from the black boxes will be pivotal. The global aviation community is watching closely as the NTSB works to determine the precise cause.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What caused the UPS plane crash in Louisville?

The exact cause is under investigation. The NTSB says the plane’s left engine detached and the wing caught fire. Security video captured the engine coming off during takeoff.

Q2: How many people died in the Louisville airport crash?

Officials confirmed fatalities among the three crew members on board. The death toll is not final but no survivors are expected. The number may be updated as recovery continues.

Q3: Were the black boxes from the crashed plane found?

Yes, authorities have recovered both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. These “black boxes” are vital for the investigation. They will help analysts understand the sequence of events.

Q4: Did the plane crash hit any buildings on the ground?

The plane crashed off airport property near industrial businesses. It narrowly missed a restaurant and major factories. Secondary fires occurred at a recycling plant and auto yard.

Q5: What is the NTSB’s role in this investigation?

The National Transportation Safety Board leads major US transportation accident probes. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze data. Their final report will include probable cause and safety recommendations.