Louisville, Kentucky, November 7, 2025
A tragic incident occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, where a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the local airport, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including a child. The NTSB is investigating the circumstances, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance and previous structural issues. Operations at UPS’s Worldport hub have been temporarily suspended, causing widespread disruption to logistics and deliveries, impacting communities with ties to the airline. This is one of the most severe accidents for UPS since a similar tragedy in 2013.
Louisville, Kentucky: UPS Cargo Plane Crash Claims At Least 12 Lives
Louisville, Kentucky – A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including a child. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, experienced a severe fire near its left wing and lost one of its engines during takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance history and the structural crack found in September. UPS and ST Engineering, responsible for maintenance, are cooperating with the investigation. A preliminary report is expected in 30 days.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time, just moments after the plane lifted off. The aircraft reached an altitude of about 175 feet before descending and crashing into an industrial area near the airport. The explosion caused a massive fireball, affecting nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company and an auto parts company. The three crew members on board are presumed dead, and several people on the ground were also killed.
In the aftermath, UPS temporarily suspended operations at its Worldport air cargo hub in Louisville, a facility that processes millions of packages daily and handles approximately 360 aircraft. This closure has led to significant disruptions in UPS’s global logistics network, causing delays in national and international deliveries, including Second Day Air services. UPS has not disclosed when operations will resume at the facility.
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with many residents having personal ties to UPS employees. This is the most serious UPS air accident since a 2013 crash in Alabama that killed two pilots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the UPS cargo plane to crash in Louisville?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance history and a structural crack found in September. A preliminary report is expected in 30 days.
How many people were on board the UPS cargo plane?
The aircraft had three crew members on board, all of whom are presumed dead.
What is the status of UPS operations following the crash?
UPS temporarily suspended operations at its Worldport air cargo hub in Louisville, leading to significant disruptions in its global logistics network. The company has not disclosed when operations will resume at the facility.
How has the local community been affected by the crash?
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with many residents having personal ties to UPS employees.
Key Features of the UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Aircraft | McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane |
| Fatalities | At least 12, including a child |
| Investigation | Led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), focusing on maintenance history and structural crack found in September |
| UPS Operations | Temporary suspension at Worldport air cargo hub, leading to global delivery delays |
| Community Impact | Deeply affected, with many residents having personal ties to UPS employees |
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