Archive · 6 Nov 2025
UPS Cargo Jet Flips and Explodes After Engine Detaches in Louisville Crash
A big UPS cargo plane was taking off from the airport in Louisville, Kentucky, when its left engine caught fire and broke off just after leaving the ground.
The plane then flipped over and crashed in a fiery explosion near some businesses.
Sadly, at least 12 people lost their lives, including the three people on the plane and a child who was on the ground.
Investigators have found the plane's 'black boxes,' which record important flight information, to help figure out what went wrong.
The airport has reopened, but officials are still cleaning up the crash site and investigating the cause, which could take a long time.
A UPS MD-11 cargo jet crashed in flames shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The crash killed at least 12 people, including the three crew members aboard and a child on the ground.
An engine detached from the left wing during takeoff roll, followed by a fire, leading to the crash.
The plane's 'black box' recorders were recovered by investigators.
The crash ignited multiple fires, impacting nearby businesses and causing explosions; a state of emergency was declared.
- Who
- A UPS MD-11 cargo jet with three crew members, and at least nine people on the ground including a child.
- What
- The cargo jet crashed and exploded into a fireball shortly after takeoff, killing at least 12 people and causing significant damage.
- When
- Tuesday afternoon, around 5:15 pm. A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday.
- Where
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Kentucky, impacting nearby businesses and terrain.
- Why
- The left engine detached following a large plume of fire during the takeoff roll. The exact cause is under investigation by the NTSB.
Officials' Immediate Statements
Expert & Investigator Perspectives
Cause of the Crash
Officials' Immediate Statements
Mayor Greenberg and Governor Beshear's statements focused on the confirmed fatalities, the difficult emotional impact, and the emergency response, with no immediate determination of the cause.
Expert & Investigator Perspectives
The NTSB reported the left engine detached after a large plume of fire from the left wing during takeoff roll. Congressman McGarvey described the scene vividly. The NTSB has recovered the black boxes for analysis, but no preliminary cause has been released.
Impact and Recovery
Officials' Immediate Statements
Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to aid the response, and schools were closed under a shelter-in-place order. The airport reopened, but recovery operations at the crash site were ongoing.
Expert & Investigator Perspectives
The crash impacted ground businesses, creating a large debris field. Fire-rescue officials indicated the site would remain active for at least a week. The NTSB and FBI are supporting the investigation.
- Aircraft Type
- UPS MD-11 cargo jet
- Flight Destination
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Location of Crash
- Shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, near cargo lots and adjacent to ground businesses.
- Fatalities
- At least 12, including three crew members and a child on the ground.
- Injuries
- Two individuals hospitalized in critical condition.
- Ground Impact
- Explosion, fireball, impacted cargo trucks, structures, and terrain off-airport property; affected a petroleum recycling plant and an auto-parts yard.
- Investigation
- NTSB recovered black boxes; FBI assisting. Preliminary cause not released. Engine detached following a fire.
- Emergency Response
- Governor declared a state of emergency. Schools closed under shelter-in-place order, expected to reopen after air/water quality checks. Airport reopened.
Sources
At least seven dead after UPS plane crashes in fireball on takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky UPS plane crash kills at least seven, firefighters continue search
Cargo plane crashes in Kentucky, killing 7. Here is what went wrong
Massive fireball! Terrifying footage captures exact moment UPS cargo plane crashed in Louisville
Death toll in Louisville UPS plane crash rises to 9
At least 7 dead in Kentucky UPS cargo plane explosion
Kentucky declares state of emergency after UPS plane crash kills at least 9
Investigators find ‘black boxes’ from UPS plane crash that killed at least 11
UPS Cargo Plane Crashes After Engine Falls Off in Kentucky, Killing 12
