UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash in Kentucky: What we know so far
November 5, 2025
When a UPS MD-11 cargo plane went down in flames shortly after take-off from Louisville, Kentucky, the shock was immediate and devastating.
The crash, which occurred just after 17:15 local time on 4 November, has left at least seven people dead and several others injured, according to early official estimates.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now at the scene, working to piece together what happened in those critical seconds after departure.
UPS Flight 2976 crash: what happened after take-off from Louisville
UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, had just lifted off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport en route to Honolulu when it appeared to struggle for altitude.
Eyewitness videos posted online show flames trailing from one of the aircraft’s wings before it veered and struck the ground in a fiery explosion near the airport perimeter.
Newly released footage captured by the dashcam of a truck driver, showing today’s crash of UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Cargo Plane operated by UPS Airlines, during takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/bLKKoZstRP
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 5, 2025
The impact triggered a massive blaze, with a thick plume of black smoke visible for miles. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as nearby businesses and homes were evacuated.
Louisville police issued a shelter-in-place order within five miles (eight kilometres) of the airport due to the scale of the fire and concerns about toxic fumes from burning jet fuel.
BREAKING: Video shows crash of UPS Flight 2976 while taking off from Louisville International Airport in Kentucky pic.twitter.com/ADPj47vmYB
— BNO News (@BNONews) November 4, 2025
Officials have since confirmed that at least three flight crew members were on board. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said four additional fatalities occurred on the ground after nearby buildings caught fire from falling debris.
MD-11 freighter details: the aircraft type involved in the UPS crash
The downed aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a long-range cargo jet known for its distinctive tri-jet design. Built in 1991, it first flew for Thai Airways before being converted to a freighter and joining the UPS fleet in 2006.
At 34 years old, it was among the oldest aircraft still operating in UPS’s global network. The company has said it plans to retire its MD-11s over the next decade as newer, more fuel-efficient twin-engine freighters such as the Boeing 777F and 767F take over long-haul routes.
Once a popular type among freight carriers, including FedEx and Lufthansa Cargo, the MD-11 has a history of challenging handling characteristics and several high-profile landing accidents. However, experts stress that it is far too early to link the aircraft type to Tuesday’s tragedy.
According to the FAA, Flight 2976 was bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, carrying roughly 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of jet fuel and a standard UPS overnight cargo load.
Louisville is home to UPS’s Worldport facility, one of the largest air cargo sorting hubs in the world and a vital link in the company’s logistics chain. Each night, thousands of parcels are processed there before being flown across the United States and overseas.
UPS has temporarily halted overnight package sorting at Worldport while the investigation continues. “We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville,” the company said in a statement, adding that it is fully cooperating with authorities and remains “in close contact” with the FAA and NTSB.
The company also noted that Louisville is home to thousands of UPS employees and their families. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” it said.
Louisville community and officials react to UPS plane crash
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the scene as “heartbreaking” and said emergency services were working tirelessly to contain the fire and recover victims.
“This community is tightly knit — nearly every household knows someone who works for UPS,” said Metro Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe.
State Senator Keturah Herron added, “Many of us have family members or neighbours working at the airport. It’s a devastating day for Louisville.”
Heartbreaking images coming out of Kentucky tonight.
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 4, 2025
Here’s an update from @FAANews
– UPS cargo flight 2976
– Crashed around 5:15 ET after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport en route to Honolulu
– The aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11.
Please… pic.twitter.com/yE1Brhv8cQ
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy called the crash “a horrific tragedy” and urged prayers for the flight crew and residents affected. He confirmed that the NTSB would lead the investigation, supported by Boeing and UPS technical experts.
NTSB investigation begins into UPS Flight 2976 crash
Investigators will now examine flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine what caused the crash. The NTSB will also study wreckage patterns, fuel systems, and maintenance records. Early reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced a fire on take-off, though no official cause has been confirmed.
Boeing, which absorbed McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said it was “ready to support our customer” and that its specialists are providing technical assistance to investigators.
Aviation analysts note that while the MD-11’s three-engine layout gives it different handling characteristics from newer twin-engine aircraft, it remains a reliable platform when maintained properly. Modern freighters must also meet the same stringent safety standards as passenger jets.
For UPS, the crash is a rare and tragic event in an otherwise strong safety record. The company operates more than 290 aircraft worldwide, including 42 MD-11Fs.
While cargo aircraft accidents are uncommon, they can be especially severe due to the heavy fuel loads carried at take-off.
The Louisville tragedy will likely renew scrutiny of ageing cargo fleets and the challenges of maintaining legacy aircraft under high utilisation cycles. It may also prompt a wider review of safety procedures at major cargo hubs, where high traffic density and night operations increase operational risks.
What’s next in the NTSB probe of the UPS MD-11 crash?
The NTSB investigation is expected to take months. Parts of Louisville International Airport remain closed, with diversions in place for passenger and cargo flights.
NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Tuesday’s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976 near Louisville, Kentucky.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) November 5, 2025
NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow.
A media…
Governor Beshear said a full accounting of casualties and property damage will take time. “This is a deeply painful day for Kentucky, and for everyone who depends on this airport and this company,” he said.
The news out of Louisville is tough tonight as the death toll has now reached at least 7, with that number expected to rise. First responders are onsite and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation. 1/3
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 5, 2025
As the fires subside and investigators begin their work, Louisville faces a long recovery. For a city long proud of its role in global logistics, this tragedy feels deeply personal.
