On the evening of November 4, 2025, tragedy struck when a UPS cargo aircraft crashed shortly after take-off near Louisville, Kentucky, leaving a scene of fiery devastation and triggering a major investigation.
The Crash & Witness Reports
At approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter operated by UPS departed from the Louisville hub (the “Worldport” facility at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport) headed for Honolulu, Hawaii. People.com+1
Eyewitnesses reported a dramatic scene: the aircraft was seen accelerating down the runway, then a plume of fire erupted from the left wing area, followed by an engine separating from the plane. AP News+2https://www.wymt.com+2
One person described the aftermath as “apocalyptic,” with smoke billowing nearly a mile, intense heat waves, and debris scattered over an industrial zone adjacent to the airport. People.com+1
Nearby businesses reported damage: the plane crashed into an industrial area, hitting a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts business, among others, complicating the rescue and recovery effort. WLWT+1
Casualties & Immediate Response
Initial reports confirmed at least 12 people had died; the death toll has since been raised to 13, including the three crew members aboard and at least one child among the victims. The Guardian+2Khaama Press+2
Authorities shifted from rescue to recovery mode, acknowledging they did not expect anyone else to be found alive. WLWT+1
As many as 15 people were injured, some critically. Several individuals remain unaccounted for as the search and identification process continues. https://www.wymt.com+1
The airport was temporarily closed and two runways were shut—later reopening—but flight operations remain impacted as debris is cleared and investigations proceed. WLWT+1
What Officials Confirmed
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the left-engine of the aircraft appeared to separate during or immediately after the take-off roll. That engine was found on the airport grounds. AP News
Flight data indicates the aircraft reached about 475 feet altitude and was traveling around 210 mph at the last recorded moment. The Guardian+1
The aircraft involved was 34 years old, and records show it had recently undergone maintenance in San Antonio, Texas, including repair of a structural crack in a center wing fuel tank. Investigators are reviewing the maintenance history and repair log as part of the probe. Reuters+1
The crew members have been identified by UPS: Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. WLWT
Wider Impacts & Community Response
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources for response and recovery, including assistance to victims’ families. WLWT+1
Local authorities issued shelter-in-place orders for residents near the crash site to protect them from smoke and potential hazardous debris. Business Insider+1
The incident is the deadliest in UPS Airlines’ history and marks the worst aviation accident in Kentucky in nearly twenty years. https://www.wymt.com+1
What Comes Next
The NTSB is leading a full investigation into the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also involved. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder (the “black boxes”) have been recovered and are being analyzed. courier-journal.com+1
Investigators will examine the aircraft’s design, age, engine separation event, maintenance history, the flight crew’s actions, and environmental factors such as weather or runway conditions. A preliminary report is expected within about 30 days, though a full final report may take a year or more. Reuters
Final Thoughts
As rescue operations wind down and recovery begins, the community around Louisville is grappling with the shock of such a destructive and tragic event. The vivid witness accounts – of flame, heavy smoke, and sudden devastation – underscore how swiftly an advanced aircraft can go from take-off roll to catastrophe. The confirmed separation of the engine raises significant questions about maintenance, aging aircraft systems, and safety oversight. With every detail being pulled apart by investigators, the answers will matter not only for the victims and their families, but for future cargo aviation safety worldwide.
