UPS Plane Crash in Louisville: Investigation Advances with New Video Evidence

Investigators are making progress in the investigation following the tragic UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky. This incident occurred on November 4, 2025, leading to the deaths of at least nine individuals, with the death toll expected to potentially rise.

UPS Plane Crash Details

The UPS aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Footage from the scene shows flames emerging from the left wing, specifically near one of the engines, as the plane sped down the runway. Shortly thereafter, more flames were observed shooting from the engine located at the tail of the aircraft.

Potential Causes of the Crash

• Engine separation: The left engine appeared to detach from the aircraft, possibly impacting the plane’s ability to maintain flight.
• Structural damage: There are concerns about damage to the wing, which could compromise flight stability.
• Weight and balance issues: Loss of an engine would significantly alter the aircraft’s dynamics, making takeoff extremely difficult.

Aircraft Specifications

The MD-11, designed to operate with one engine failure, faced a daunting situation as two engines were potentially lost. This aircraft was heavily loaded, carrying approximately 20,000 packages and around 255,000 pounds of jet fuel for an extended flight to Honolulu.

Investigation Efforts

Federal investigators, focusing on the left engine’s recovery, aim to locate both cockpit voice and data recorders, commonly referred to as black boxes. These devices are critical for understanding the final moments before the crash.

• The black boxes are situated in the tail section of the MD-11.
• They are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and can survive intense conditions during a fire.

Fire Duration and Impact

The crash ignited a significant blaze that lasted over an hour. This prolonged fire raised concerns about the state of the black boxes, which should provide crucial data if still intact. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will analyze the recovered black boxes at their lab in Washington, D.C.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Investigators plan to assess the flight data and cockpit recordings to gain insights into the aircraft’s performance prior to the incident. The audio recordings will provide information on the pilots’ communications and reactions during the emergency.

The NTSB has a strong history of retrieving valuable data from severely damaged recorders, which will be vital in determining the crash’s causes and preventing future incidents.