UPS Cargo Jet Loses Engine During Takeoff, Crashes Near Louisville Airport
A UPS cargo jet lost an engine during takeoff and crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The November 2025 accident killed three crew members and twelve people on the ground.
New York PostA UPS cargo jet lost an engine and its pylon during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, which was 34 years old, crashed shortly after leaving the runway, creating a debris field and fire that covered more than half a mile.
The National Transportation Safety Board released video of the engine separation on Tuesday and will hold a hearing this week in Washington to determine the cause. All MD-11 aircraft were grounded by the FAA for several months following the crash.
The three crew members were identified by UPS as Capt.
Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond. Twelve people on the ground also died, and one additional person died from injuries on Christmas Day.
The NTSB is examining the sequence of events that led to the engine detachment. The crash was the deadliest in the company's history.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- November 4, 2025
UPS Flight 2976 lost an engine and crashed shortly after takeoff.
1 sourceNew York Post - Tuesday
NTSB released video of the engine separation and scheduled a hearing.
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
All MD-11 aircraft were grounded by the FAA for several months.
- 02
NTSB will hold a hearing this week to determine the cause.
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