NTSB Releases Initial Findings amid Investigation Into Deadly UPS Plane Crash in Kentucky
The mayor confirmed the number of people killed in the aftermath of the cargo plane disaster, and officials have revealed preliminary investigational findings.
According to federal authorities, a UPS cargo plane killed multiple passengers at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport when its left engine disconnected during takeoff and landed just beyond the runway.
On social media, the terrifying event immediately generated emotions, with many people expressing astonishment and worry over the disastrous failure.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary findings have been informed by video, tangible evidence, and preliminary analysis.
Flight Had Trouble After Takeoff
According to reports, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F traveling to Honolulu crashed on November 4, 2025, at around 5:15 p.m.
The jet managed to clear the runway fence, but it had trouble soon after, according to NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman.
“The aircraft took off and ascended sufficiently to pass the fence at Runway 17R’s end. It struck buildings and the ground outside the airport grounds shortly after that fence was cleared,” he claimed.
Extreme Force in Engine Failure
Significant damage was inflicted by the plane’s abrupt impact and the left engine’s separation.
“Now, when it came off, this engine was on the left side of the aircraft. Kris Van Cleave of CBS News highlighted the tremendous pressures involved by stating,
“That’s a 5-ton engine that was thrown across the runway and into the grass area on the right side.”
Smoke and flames were seen coming from the right wing on the runway video, which may have been caused by debris from the failed left engine.
“So, it is possible that there were issues with two of the plane’s three engines as it was trying to take off,” Van Cleave stated.
Flight Recorders Discovered Unharmed
NTSB investigators have located and inspected the plane’s black boxes despite the crash’s tremendous flames. “You could very easily tell that it was a black box by two types of cylinders on top,” Inman stated.
Investigators are hopeful that the data may be recovered despite the boxes being exposed to heat.
“Fortunately, they were not on the ocean floor or in a post-impact fire for several days,” Ingman continued. Therefore, even if the fire was fierce, it is designed to survive it.
According to Inman, the moment the engine parted upon takeoff was seen on airport security film.
“We have viewed airport CCTV security coverage, which shows the left engine detaching from the wing during the takeoff roll,” he said.
The mayor provides an update on the crash victims.
Craig Greenberg, the mayor of Louisville, spoke to the public about the crash while the investigation is ongoing, confirming that 12 persons lost their lives. He continued,
“We believe that 3 of them are likely the crew and then 9 others, all of whom are those 9 are unidentified at this point in time.”
The mayor added that 15 families were visiting the Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) family assistance center at their Taylor Boulevard training facility to get information.
Social media was flooded with responses to the incident.
“How is that possible? Before they leave the ground, they are all put through a rigorous safety examination! One astonished viewer wrote, “😱😢😢😢😢.”
“Looks like sabotage or a maintenance error,” observed another, and “Look into the mechanics, I’ve said this is not normal!” said a third.
“Those poor pilots are doing everything they can to save the airplane and their lives,” a netizen thought. I’m praying for everyone affected by the crash. ✝️.
Someone else asked, “Do you think it might have something to do with the fact that the plane has been flying since 1991?”
“Prayers for the families that lost a loved one as well as the entire UPS family,” one reader said. Someone else said, “That is so horrific, how absolutely terrifying for those on board.”
This comes after earlier reports from November 5, when local officials gave preliminary information regarding the crash and emergency response, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated it will join the NTSB in the probe.
As investigators examine the crash site, the FAA issues a statement.
“The FAA and NTSB will investigate,” the agency said in a formal statement posted on social media. The NTSB will oversee the inquiry and keep everyone informed.
“This information is preliminary and subject to change,” officials added, when further information from the crash scene becomes available.
The local community and beyond have been rocked by the crash. “Please, pray for the families affected, Louisville and [sic] all of Kentucky,” wrote Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in a public post expressing his sad feelings. After a tragic day, we are currently in pain.
Officials Discuss the Disaster at the First Press Conference
Officials cautioned at a compelling news conference shortly after the disaster that things might get worse before they get better.
Additionally, Governor Beshear restated the previously indicated concerns and the fact that the inquiry is still underway.
“I can’t vouch for the fact that the plane didn’t contain any particularly dangerous cargo that would have harmed the environment for those around, but the impact and the location of the hit may lead to such circumstances. Therefore, if a shelter is available, please follow it,” Beshear continued.
Emergency Agencies Swarm the Devastation in Dozens
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Kentucky National Guard, Louisville Fire Department, Lexington Fire Department, Bardstown Fire Department, Shepherdsville Fire Department, Louisville Emergency Management, Fern Creek Fire Department, and Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department are among the other agencies on the scene.
Louisville Metro Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Matthews Police Department, Shively Police Department, KSP, Louisville Metro EMS, MSD, Louisville Gas and Electric,
Kentucky Emergency Management, Fairdale Fire Department, Anchorage Middletown Fire Department, Jefferson Town Fire Department, Airport Police Department, and Louisville Metro Police are also participating.
There have been at least three fatalities and numerous injuries, and the number is predicted to increase.
There was also discussion about the initial casualty figures, which at the time were reported to be three fatalities and at least eleven injuries, some of which were severe and being treated at nearby hospitals. These figures are anticipated to increase.
Additionally, Beshear verified that the Louisville Metro Police Training Academy, situated at 2911 Taylor Boulevard, now features a victim family reunification facility.
If someone is looking for information about a loved one who may have been impacted, victim services staff will be available to help.
The United Way is also providing supplies and shelter, and individuals affected are urged to contact 502-376-6617 for help.
Officials Examine Additional Information Regarding the Terrifying Event
According to reports, Kentucky Patrol and Recycling and Grade A Autoparts are the two main companies located in the vicinity of the collision.
The majority of Grade A Autoparts’ employees have been accounted for, but two are still missing, and the company is assisting authorities in providing descriptions.
The complete number of people present at the crash is unknown because of the open and dynamic character of these facilities, which are used by clients, contractors, and delivery drivers.
According to Beshear, “there is no direct information about nine employees who were there at the time,” and it might take some time before authorities can confirm that everyone who might have been on the scene is okay.
The shelter-in-place radius has been extended in response to ongoing rescue and recovery operations. In addition to the Ohio River, South Louisville, Old Louisville, and Downtown, it now encompasses lands north of the airport.
Although part of its equipment was damaged, LG&E said that there aren’t any significant power disruptions at the moment. For safety, some outages might be started, though.
The Ford Motor Company facility nearby had a brief power outage but was not directly damaged.
All staff are said to be safe, and the CEO of the company has had direct communication with local authorities.
In order to protect public safety, security has also implemented shelter-in-place procedures at the Convention Center, which was getting ready for future events.
Beshear noted the crash’s emotional toll, highlighting the suffering caused by the uncertainty that many families are currently dealing with.
“Anybody who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is, and there are a lot of families that are going to be waiting and wondering for a period of time,” he stated. “Please lend them your assistance if you know this family. Please pray for them and show them your affection.
As the investigation progresses, worries grow because the UPS aircraft crew’s condition is still unclear. According to Beshear, “we do not, at the moment, have the status of the crew,” “Watching that video, I think we’re all very, very worried about them.”
According to reports, Greenberg, who was out of town when the tragedy occurred, is coming back right away and is still actively participating in the city’s emergency response activities. Beshear said,
“He is moving heaven and earth to be back […] and his crew behind me is responding as well as I’ve seen any group do.”
As first responders try all in their power, the death toll keeps rising.
Louisville Emergency Management was to lead a briefing at 8:15 p.m. to provide more details on airport operations and ongoing safety precautions.
In the wake of this incredibly unfortunate incident, authorities are urging patience and unity as they attempt to deliver answers.
Updated statistics from state and municipal officials presented a more dire picture as rescue personnel worked through the night after Tuesday’s devastating plane crash in Louisville. At least seven individuals have been confirmed dead, according to Mayor Greenburg.
In an evening update, Greenberg added further background. “There are more than a 100 [sic] firefighters from across the region still on the scene working to make it safe for everyone in our community,” he said.
A UPS MD-11 cargo plane carrying about 38,000 gallons of fuel was involved in the disaster.
The fact that the aircraft crashed soon after takeoff supports the common observation made by aviation professionals that takeoffs and landings are the riskiest parts of flying.
Across the city, condolence messages are still flooding in amid the mounting heartache. A heartfelt message expressing empathy with those affected was released by the Muhammad Ali Center, which is situated in the center of Louisville.
They say, “[Our] hearts go out to the pilots, crewmembers, families and [sic] businesses,” in part.
“We are saddened to learn that there have been multiple confirmed casualties and injuries due to the incident.”
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to those who keep our community safe every single day as emergency responders work throughout the evening and in the days ahead,” the Center said in addition to expressing gratitude to first responders.
The emotional toll is still weighing hard on the Louisville community as families, businesses, and city officials prepare for more updates amid a tragedy that is still unfolding, with the dead toll climbing and dozens injured.
Horrible Pictures and Videos Illustrate the Crash’s Devastating Effects
Unsettling surveillance footage and user-shared videos demonstrate the impact and aftermath of the crash’s extreme force.
These showed the precise moment the plane fell from the sky, swerving quickly and low over a parking lot before crashing into buildings just outside the picture.
Suddenly, a massive ball of fire bursts forth, filling the surrounding area with thick black smoke and flames. Walls of fire swept across the horizon in the seconds after the hit, spreading quickly and devouring everything in their path.
A Songwriter and Singer Gives a Description of What He Saw
Those inside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport witnessed the catastrophe developing from a new perspective as pictures of the fire and destruction spread.
Josh Mitcham, a singer and songwriter, was one among them. He was getting ready to board a trip at the same time the UPS freight plane crashed close by.
Mitcham and the others were already seated on their plane when a “stay-in-place” order was given. The seriousness of the issue soon became clear.
According to him, “We didn’t really know what happened,” at CNN. “The captain came over and said that there had been an accident and that it wasn’t good and that they recommended that we go ahead and get off the plane.”
Though he wasn’t originally aware of the source, Mitcham saw dense, dark smoke rising into the sky from his window seat.
He didn’t know until later that the smoke was coming from the terrible crash outside.
Following the incident, flights were suspended, so Mitcham rebooked for the next day when he and other passengers disembarked from the aircraft.
He was supposed to start a ten-day music tour in England, but the delay caused him to postpone his plans.
Despite being frightened by the experience, Mitcham was thankful that he was safe after such a horrific incident.
“There’s some people lost their lives tonight, and, you know, I’m still here [sic],” he said.
It might have been much worse for us, but whatever happens, I’m okay and everyone on my flight is safe. It was awful for those people.
