UPS Airlines Flight 2976 suffered a major mechanical failure shortly after takeoff on November 4, 2025  just outside Louisville, KY, resulting in the deaths of at least fourteen people. According to witnesses, the left wing of the plane suddenly caught fire, before the engine fell separated from the aircraft causing the plane to crash just outside of the airport perimeter. The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into how the accident occurred, and what might have been done to prevent it.

UPS Plane Crashes on takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, KY

At around 5:15 PM local time, a UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was taking off from, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport located around seven miles away from Louisville. Right after takeoff, the left wing of the plane appears to have suddenly caught fire, with the engine separating from the wing shortly thereafter. The plane was able to clear the fence, but crashed just outside the airport, hitting a petroleum recycling plant and an auto salvage yard.

At Least Fourteen Dead, Several Injured

At least fourteen people, including all three crew members, have been confirmed dead in the accident.  Several more were injured in the crash. In response to the accident, all MD-11 aircraft were suggested to be grounded, by Boeing which is the parent company of McDonnell Douglas, the manufacturer.

Possible Causes of the Crash

While no specific cause has been named, the most obvious culprit for the crash is poor maintenance. This may point to some kind of defective part, or it may indicate that there was inadequate maintenance that resulted in a critical mechanical failure. In particular, Keith Williams, an experienced aviation attorney pointed to the age of the aircraft in question.

“The public has a right to know whether this was an isolated failure or a symptom of a larger maintenance problem,” Mr. Williams said.

What Happens Now

The NTSB will be investigating the crash, including investigating what may have led to the wing catching fire and the engine detaching from the plane. They will examine the body of the plane itself, as well as any black box data that may be on board, and the deceased will be autopsied and returned to their loved ones for burial. A preliminary report is expected within a few weeks, while the full investigation may take up to eighteen months to complete.