NTSB Shares Early Report on Kentucky UPS Plane Crash Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate the UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport that claimed 12 lives and left a community in mourning. The MD-11F went down shortly after takeoff on November 4, 2025, after its left engine detached during the takeoff roll — a catastrophic failure that caused the aircraft to lose control and crash just beyond the runway. The collision ignited a series of fires that spread through nearby buildings and industrial facilities.

NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman said the aircraft, which had been bound for Honolulu, “lifted off and cleared the fence, but shortly after struck terrain off airport property.” CCTV footage confirmed the moment the left engine separated. Investigators have since recovered both flight recorders for detailed analysis.

The detached five-ton engine was thrown across the runway, and early assessments suggest it may have caused additional structural damage — including to the right wing — before the aircraft lost lift. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that the victims included all three crew members on board and nine people on the ground. Fifteen families have sought help at a reunification center set up for those awaiting information.

Federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB are now examining whether mechanical failure, maintenance oversight, metal fatigue, or an issue with the engine mounting system contributed to the detachment. Officials emphasize that these findings are preliminary and that a full investigation will take time.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear asked residents to keep the victims and their families in their prayers and urged the public to follow shelter-in-place guidance while crews assess debris and potential hazards. Dozens of fire crews and emergency units responded within minutes, working through smoke and collapsing structures to contain the blaze.

Local utility provider LG&E reported minor power outages in the surrounding area, and several nearby businesses, including industrial plants and the Louisville Convention Center, briefly paused operations for safety checks. Flights at the airport were suspended as heavy black smoke drifted across the airfield.

Witnesses described the aircraft flying lower than usual during climb-out before it descended sharply. “It looked like it was trying to climb but just couldn’t,” one resident recalled.

Community leaders — including representatives from the Muhammad Ali Center — expressed condolences and gratitude to first responders, recognizing the emotional weight of the tragedy as investigators work to understand what happened and prevent future loss of life.