A dramatic incident unfolded at the Louisville, Kentucky airport as a UPS cargo plane, en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, encountered a catastrophic failure during takeoff. The aircraft, a wide-body McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was carrying three crew members when it suddenly caught fire, sending a massive fireball into the sky and causing widespread panic. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on a Tuesday, as the plane was attempting to lift off from the runway. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly confirmed the crash and assured the public that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the investigation. The FAA's statement emphasized the importance of a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The Louisville Metro Police Department, along with multiple emergency response agencies, swiftly arrived at the scene to address the crash and reported injuries. The crash site was located near Fern Valley and Grade Lane, which are adjacent to the southern portion of the airfield. A video, shared on social media, captured the moment of the crash, showing a visible fireball on the left wing of the aircraft before it plummeted to the ground. The video's authenticity has been confirmed, providing a stark visual of the incident.
UPS, the airline involved, released a statement confirming the presence of three crew members on board and expressing their commitment to providing further updates as more information becomes available. The company's priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and the public. The investigation by the NTSB will delve into the circumstances surrounding the crash, aiming to uncover the factors that led to the fire and subsequent crash. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
