Tragedy struck in Louisville today when a UPS Airlines MD-11 crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky. Be warned, the videos and images from the scene are truly horrific.
UPS Flight 2976 Crashes During Takeoff
The accident occurred at approximately 5:20p local time when UPS Flight 2976, operating a regularly scheduled cargo flight from Louisville to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, crashed shortly after takeoff. Louisville is the home of UPS Worldport, which is the company’s global logistics hub.
The flight was being operated by a 34 year old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 with the registration N259UP. The aircraft was converted from a passenger jet to a freighter and entered service with UPS in 2006.
Shortly after the incident, photos and videos of the crash began appearing on social media. UPS has issued a short statement regarding the incident but, at this time, we still have more questions than answers.
Based on videos from in and around the airport, it appears that the aircraft had an engine issue during its takeoff roll. Fire can be seen coming from the #1 engine as the aircraft lifts off of the runway. Moments later, a large fireball and plume of black smoke can be seen shortly after.
While it was initially reported that there were three fatalities, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revised those totals with the following statement:
“The news out of Louisville is tough tonight as the death toll has now reached at least 7, with that number expected to rise. First responders are onsite and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation.”
The crash site stretches for over a mile through the area near the airport. Videos from the airport appear to show part of one of the aircraft’s engine near the runway.
All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled for the remainder of the day and a shelter in place order is currently in effect for a one mile radius around the crash site.
This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
Summary
A UPS Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 has crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF). The flight, which was bound for Honolulu, appeared to have engine issues during takeoff and crashed near the end of the runway. At least three fatalities have been reported with more expected.