MD-11 – Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock.com
A UPS cargo plane crashed this Tuesday (4) at Muhammad Ali International Airport, in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States, shortly after takeoff, leaving three dead and 11 injured. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was heading to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it suffered the accident at around 5:15 pm local time. Images show flames on the left wing before the crash, followed by an explosion that generated a large fire. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned that the number of victims could rise.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the accident.
- Three crew members were on board flight 2976.
- The fire spread hundreds of meters, fueled by fuel.
- Authorities issued a warning to avoid the area within a 7.5 km radius.
- The airport has suspended all landing and takeoff operations.
Accident details
UPS Flight 2976 took off from Muhammad Ali International Airport, the company’s main cargo hub. Videos show the aircraft catching fire while still on the runway, without being able to gain sufficient altitude.
The explosion after the crash generated a column of smoke visible for kilometers. Emergency teams were called immediately to contain the flames.
Regional impact
TheThe accident occurred near Worldport, UPS’s largest parcel sorting center. Nearby buildings suffered damage, and two people remain missing, according to authorities.
Louisville police cordoned off the area and asked residents to avoid moving around. The fire, intensified by the fuel, required intense efforts from firefighters.
#5X2976 was operated by an MD-11(F) registered N259UP. The 34 year old aircraft was converted to cargo and began operations with UPS in 2006. https://t.co/QaU8Y7iLvM pic.twitter.com/kXimU8l4fk
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) November 4, 2025
Aircraft profile
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, manufactured in 1991, was used exclusively for cargo transport. Operated by UPS since 2006, the plane has previously flown for Thai Airways.
The aircraft has a capacity of 287 tons and 144 thousand liters of fuel. Its advanced age raises questions about maintenance and safety.
The model is common on long-distance flights, such as the route to Honolulu. The FAA said the plane reached 175 feet before crashing.
Response from authorities
Governor Andy Beshear described the situation withserious and asked for prayers for the victims. He highlighted the work of rescuers at the scene.
Senator Mitch McConnell also spoke, thanking the firefighters. City Hall confirmed injuries, but without details on the severity.
The NTSB took the lead in the investigation, with support from the FAA. UPS said it is working with authorities to clarify what happened.
Muhammad Ali International Airport remains closed. Rescue teams continue to search for possible survivors.
MD-11 History
The MD-11, produced by McDonnell Douglas until 2001, was designed for cargo flights. Companies like FedEx and Lufthansa Cargo also use the model.
In Brazil, TAM, Varig and Vasp operated the MD-11 in the 1990s and 2000s. The accident aircraft made eight flights from Louisville last week.
Containment Efforts
The fire, fueled by 38,000 gallons of fuel, required quick action from firefighters. The metropolitan police reinforced the security perimeter.
The black smoke compromised visibility in the region, impacting local traffic. Residents were advised to stay at home.
