UPS plane crash at Louisville airport: MD-11 freighter erupts in fireball, at least 9 dead and 11 injured

A UPS cargo jet crashed and exploded during takeoff at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, November 4, igniting a massive fire and sending thick black smoke over the city. The aircraft—an MD-11 freighter operating as UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville (SDF) to Honolulu (HNL)—went down near the end of the runway around 5:15 p.m. ET. Officials said at least nine people are confirmed dead and 11 injured. The toll could change as search teams work through damaged buildings near the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation.

What happened at Louisville’s SDF airport

Witnesses and widely shared videos captured a rolling fireball moments after liftoff as the UPS plane struggled to climb, then crashed beyond the runway perimeter. The impact sparked secondary explosions and fires that spread into nearby industrial properties, complicating the response for firefighters and hazmat crews.

Airport operations were halted for several hours on Tuesday evening before limited service resumed; the runway involved will remain closed during debris recovery and inspection. Travelers should check with their airlines for rebookings and anticipate delays as crews and investigators continue work on the airfield.

UPS Flight 2976 and the MD-11 freighter

• Flight: UPS 2976 (5X2976)

• Route: Louisville (SDF) → Honolulu (HNL)

• Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-11F (tri-jet)

• Age: Approximately 34 years in service

The MD-11, a long-range cargo workhorse, is certified to fly with one engine inoperative, but its accident record has drawn scrutiny in high-workload phases like landing and takeoff. Investigators will analyze flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine whether a mechanical failure, aerodynamic issue, or other factor prevented a safe climb-out.

Victims, injuries, and impact on the ground

Authorities confirmed that all three crew members aboard the UPS aircraft were among the dead. Additional fatalities occurred on the ground when debris and fire engulfed nearby businesses. At least 11 people were transported to hospitals; two were reported in critical condition as of early Wednesday. Power outages and road closures rippled through the surrounding area, and one nearby manufacturing facility temporarily halted operations due to smoke and damage assessments.

Families with missing loved ones have been urged to contact designated assistance lines. Community organizations established reunification points for employees from affected workplaces, and the city coordinated mental-health and housing support for those displaced by the fires.

Shelter-in-place guidance and emergency resources

Officials issued a shelter-in-place order shortly after the crash for neighborhoods and industrial sites south and east of the airport, citing hazardous smoke and particulate matter. By Wednesday morning, the radius was narrowed to the immediate crash zone near Grade Lane, but residents downwind were asked to keep windows closed and HVAC systems on recirculation until air monitoring confirms normal readings.

Key reminders:

• Avoid the crash perimeter and follow posted detours.

• If you smell smoke indoors, switch HVAC to “recirculate” and use a clean filter.

• Seek medical attention if you experience breathing difficulty, dizziness, or chest pain.

• Use official city alert channels for updates on lifted advisories and debris cleanup.

What investigators are looking at now

This remains a developing inquiry. Early focus areas include:

• Engine and airframe integrity: Investigators are reviewing video that appears to show severe damage on the jet’s left side near an engine. Analysis will determine whether any component separated in flight and how that affected controllability.

• Takeoff performance: Data from radar, Flight Data Recorder (FDR), and maintenance logs will be compared to weight-and-balance, temperature, and wind conditions at 5:15 p.m. ET.

• Fuel and fire dynamics: The scale of the post-impact fire suggests a large fuel load typical for a trans-Pacific leg; specialists will reconstruct the fuel system’s status and the sequence of explosions.

• Runway and obstacle environment: Teams are mapping debris to model trajectory, impact forces, and any ground hazards that may have amplified damage.

Preliminary findings typically arrive within days, but final reports can take many months. Officials emphasized that any reference to component failure or video imagery should be treated as provisional until lab analyses are complete.

UPS operations and shipping delays

UPS temporarily paused sort activities at Worldport—the company’s massive Louisville hub—to support emergency response and employee safety. Some shifts were canceled on Wednesday as assessments continued. Shippers in the region and across the network may see service disruptions or re-routes while the affected runway remains closed and contingency plans are activated. Customers with urgent shipments should watch for service alerts and be prepared for delayed delivery commitments.

Travel and community disruptions in Louisville

• Flights: Expect rolling delays and occasional cancellations at SDF while the investigation and cleanup continue.

• Roads: Portions of Grade Lane and adjoining industrial corridors remain restricted.

• Schools and services: Some facilities adjusted schedules due to air-quality concerns and traffic impacts; check local notices for status changes.

• Health: Air monitoring is ongoing; vulnerable residents (asthma, COPD) should minimize outdoor activity near the airport until readings stabilize.

What’s next

Recovery teams are stabilizing structures struck by debris to allow safe access for search operations. The NTSB is expected to hold briefings as evidence is collected from the crash site, including FDR/CVR retrieval, maintenance records, crew training histories, and air traffic control audio. The agency will also examine fleetwide implications for the MD-11 and any interim safety recommendations for operators.

This is a developing story. Details may evolve as officials release verified updates on the UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.