LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — In a devastating accident, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from its global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives, including the three pilots aboard the aircraft designated MD-11, which was en route to Honolulu.
According to Todd Inman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a bell sounded in the cockpit just before the crash, indicating an emergency situation. The aircraft, which had begun its takeoff roll, was caught in a dire situation with a left wing on fire and missing an engine as it struggled to gain altitude. Witnesses described the catastrophic event as a fireball that erupted upon impact with the ground.
The investigation is still unfolding, with NTSB officials indicating that an analysis of the cockpit voice recorder may take several months to complete. Preliminary assessments have revealed that the aircraft reached a speed of 210 mph before crashing only about 100 feet off the ground. The left engine and parts of the fan blades were located at the crash site, while comprehensive inquiries into maintenance practices leading up to the flight are underway.
Dramatic video footage captured the crash, providing critical insights for the investigators as they piece together what transpired in the moments leading up to the accident. The UPS Worldport facility, which serves as the company's largest hub, has since returned to operations for its Next Day Air services.
Legal action related to the crash has commenced, with a federal lawsuit filed against UPS by an automotive repair shop that was demolished during the tragedy and a resident who required hospitalization due to smoke inhalation. The suit claims negligence on the part of UPS and other parties involved, seeking unspecified damages.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community and the public alike anticipate answers regarding the factors that led to such a heart-wrenching incident. Further developments will be monitored closely as they arise.
