A catastrophic aviation disaster struck Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday, November 4, after UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo jet, crashed seconds after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).
Bound for Honolulu, the three-engine plane went down around 5.15pm local time, exploding into a massive fireball that was fuelled by the approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel onboard.
The confirmed death toll has reached at least seven, with four of the victims tragically being people on the ground. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed 11 injuries, some described as “very significant“, and warned that the number of casualties is likely to grow as the investigation progresses further.
Investigation focus: Engine fire and cargo safety concerns
Video footage captured before the crash has become a critical piece of evidence for investigators, showing flames erupting from the aircraft’s left wing/engine as it attempted to lift off. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a 28-person Go Team to the scene to lead the probe.
One central question for the NTSB is why the ageing 34-year-old MD-11F failed to remain airborne after the visible engine malfunction. As aviation expert and pilot John Cox noted, “That aeroplane should have flown on two engines. So now we’ve got to look at what caused it not to fly.”
As well, the nature of the plane’s cargo is under scrutiny. Unconfirmed reports have raised the possibility of hazardous materials, such as lithium batteries, contributing to the intensity of the fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously acknowledged that existing aircraft fire suppression systems are often ineffective against lithium battery fires, a key issue in cargo safety.
Community and supply chain disruption
The crash had immediate and devastating effects on the surrounding industrial area. The plane directly impacted local businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, with nearby residents issued a shelter-in-place order. The emotional toll on the community is high, with some locals desperately seeking information about missing loved ones who worked at the affected sites.
The disaster has also significantly disrupted global logistics. The crash occurred at the site of UPS Worldport, the company’s largest global air hub, which processes over 400,000 packages per hour. UPS temporarily halted package sorting, causing a ripple effect across the supply chains of major retailers and delivery services.
The NTSB investigation is expected to be thorough, but it could take 12 to 24 months to determine the final probable cause and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
