Investigation Underway
Federal and local officials are continuing their detailed investigation into the devastating cargo plane crash that occurred just outside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025.
Early information released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirms that the left engine of a UPS MD-11F aircraft broke away during takeoff, triggering the catastrophic crash only moments after liftoff.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that 12 people tragically lost their lives—three crew members and nine others who have yet to be publicly identified. The event has shaken the city, leaving residents heartbroken and searching for answers.
Massive flames and thick plumes of smoke towered over the crash site, visible from miles away. First responders rushed in as video footage and early debris analysis guided investigators to their initial findings. Officials stress that all current details are preliminary as the broader investigation continues.
Takeoff Trouble
The aircraft departed around 5:15 p.m. on its scheduled flight to Honolulu. According to NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman, the plane initially climbed and cleared the fence at the end of Runway 17R, but seconds later crashed into structures and terrain beyond airport grounds. The violent separation of the left engine, along with the impact forces, caused catastrophic destruction across the area.
CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave described the scattered wreckage: “That 5-ton engine was thrown across the runway into the grass.” Investigators are also reviewing whether debris struck the right wing, potentially contributing to additional failures. CCTV footage confirming the engine detachment has become a central piece of evidence.
Black Boxes Recovered
Despite the intense flames, investigators successfully retrieved both flight recorders. Inman noted that although they were exposed to fire, they were not submerged or burned for days, giving hope that the data can be fully recovered. These devices are expected to provide crucial insight into the aircraft’s systems and crew actions in the moments leading up to the crash.
Mayor’s Update on Victims
Mayor Greenberg confirmed the 12 fatalities and said that 15 families have already sought help through a family assistance center. He emphasized the emotional strain the tragedy has placed on Louisville, urging anyone affected to reach out for support.
Online reactions were swift and emotional. Some questioned how such a catastrophic failure could occur despite strict safety standards, while others speculated about maintenance or mechanical issues. Countless messages offered condolences and prayers for those grieving.
FAA Joins the Inquiry
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working alongside the NTSB, reviewing maintenance logs, flight records, and other technical data. With the left engine’s failure now the primary focus, officials aim to determine whether similar aircraft face potential risks.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed deep sympathy for the victims and urged residents to follow safety advisories due to hazardous conditions around the crash zone.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
Dozens of agencies—including local fire crews, Louisville Metro EMS, the Kentucky National Guard, and police—responded within minutes. Initial reporting listed three deaths and 11 injuries, but casualty numbers rose as recovery efforts progressed. A reunification center was set up at the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy, while the United Way arranged shelter for those displaced.
Nearby businesses, including Kentucky Patrol and Recycling and Grade A Autoparts, sustained damage, with several workers still unaccounted for. The shelter-in-place zone extended across parts of South Louisville, Old Louisville, and downtown. LG&E reported minor infrastructure damage. Major facilities, like the Ford plant and the Convention Center, temporarily halted operations as a precaution.
Disturbing Videos Show Impact
Surveillance footage captured the plane flying unusually low over parked vehicles before erupting into a massive fireball that consumed nearby structures. Witness Josh Mitcham, a singer-songwriter waiting at the airport, recalled, “We had no idea what happened at first. The captain told us we needed to get off the plane. When I looked out the window, I saw black smoke rising fast.” Flight operations were briefly suspended.
Support from Across the Country
The Muhammad Ali Center and numerous community groups have offered support to the families impacted by the disaster. Messages of sympathy and solidarity continue to pour in as Louisville begins the difficult process of healing.
What Comes Next
Investigators remain committed to determining exactly why the engine failed and whether additional mechanical or operational issues played a role. The flight recorders are expected to answer key questions as the investigation moves forward. Families and community members wait anxiously as officials work to uncover the truth.
Conclusion
The tragic UPS cargo plane crash has left a deep and lasting mark on Louisville, underscoring the vital importance of aircraft safety and thorough investigative processes. As first responders, leaders, and community organizations continue offering support, the NTSB and FAA’s findings will be essential in understanding what went wrong and how to prevent similar tragedies.
In the wake of profound loss, Louisville focuses on healing, honoring the victims, and ensuring that lessons learned lead to safer skies for everyone.