UPS MD-11 Crashes After Takeoff from Louisville
UPS flight 5X2976, an MD-11F, crashed shortly after departing Louisville airport. The flight was heading to Honolulu with three crew members on board.
Accident Details
At around 22:13 UTC (17:13 local time), the aircraft suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure while taking off from Runway 17R. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter, triggering a massive fire that spread to several structures and caused power outages in areas south of the airport.
Casualties
As of November 5th, 13:50 UTC, nine people have been confirmed dead, including all three crew members aboard the flight.
Flight and Aircraft Information
- Takeoff roll began at 22:12:24 UTC on Runway 17R.
- The last ADS-B position recorded was at 38.14824, -85.73497 at 22:13:30 UTC.
- The maximum ground speed reached was 186 knots.
- The flight required approximately 75 tonnes of fuel including reserves for the trip from Louisville to Honolulu.
- The aircraft was 34 years old, originally delivered to Thai Airways International in 1991 as a passenger plane.
- It was converted to a freighter in 2006 and began service with UPS that same year.
- Powered by three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F engines.
Official Response
“NTSB board member J. Todd Inman provided the first briefing on the accident on 5 November 2025,”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities assess the cause of the catastrophic failure.
Author's Summary
The UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Louisville due to a sudden mechanical failure, killing all crew onboard and causing extensive fire and damage near the airport.