UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Kills Three Pilots, Investigation Underway

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Muhammad Ali International Airport. All three crew members on board were killed.

UPS has officially identified the deceased pilots. The crash is now under investigation by federal authorities.

Details of the Louisville UPS Plane Crash

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F aircraft crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time. It was bound for Honolulu, Hawaii. The plane was carrying a large quantity of jet fuel upon impact.

The resulting explosion ignited fires in nearby residential areas. Security footage indicates a possible engine failure. The left engine appeared to detach from the wing during takeoff.

According to Reuters, investigators have secured the cockpit voice and flight data recorders. A full report from the National Transportation Safety Board may take up to a year to complete. The recovery of these recorders is a critical step.

Victims Identified as Experienced UPS Crew

UPS released a statement naming the three pilots. They were Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. The company expressed its profound grief and commitment to supporting affected families and employees.

First Officer Lee Truitt was 45 years old and from Albuquerque, New Mexico. His professional profile indicates he was an experienced MD-11 pilot. He previously volunteered with public radio and worked for SkyWest Airlines before joining UPS.

Limited public information is available for Captain Wartenberg and Captain Diamond. The aviation community is mourning the loss of the seasoned crew.

The investigation into this tragic UPS plane crash continues as officials work to determine the exact sequence of mechanical failures that led to the disaster.

Info at your fingertips

What caused the UPS plane crash?

The exact cause is under investigation. Preliminary footage suggests the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff. Federal authorities are analyzing the data recorders.

How many people died in the crash?

There were three fatalities. All were crew members onboard the cargo flight. No one on the ground was killed.

What type of plane was involved?

The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F. This is a wide-body, three-engine cargo jet. It was carrying a significant amount of jet fuel.

Was there any damage on the ground?

Yes. The crash and subsequent fire affected areas off-airport property. Fires were reported in nearby houses and structures.

What is the status of the investigation?

The NTSB and FAA are leading the probe. Key evidence like the flight data recorder has been recovered. A final report is expected within twelve months.

Trusted Sources: Reuters