UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Kills 12, Black Box Recovered

Authorities have recovered the flight recorders from a UPS cargo plane that crashed in flames during takeoff at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, killing at least 12 people, including three crew members.

The 34-year-old MD-11 freighter, bound for Honolulu with three crew aboard, erupted in a massive fireball just after lifting off the runway and striking structures in an industrial corridor, including a petroleum recycling facility, which ignited and exploded. One of the plane’s three engines detached from the left wing during the takeoff roll, according to Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Investigators confirmed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, designed to withstand crash impacts and extreme heat, were located intact on Wednesday. The NTSB plans to transport them to its Washington, D.C., lab for analysis. Preliminary reports on the crash are expected within 30 days, though a full investigation could take 12 to 24 months.

State of Emergency Declared

In response to the disaster, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency to expedite disaster response and recovery efforts. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on social media that 12 people have died, with several others still unaccounted for. At least 11 people on the ground sustained injuries, some serious, during the crash and subsequent fires.

Around 200 firefighters and emergency personnel, along with 50 trucks, worked to contain the blaze that left a trail of thick black smoke across the city. Despite the destruction, a nearby convention center, a restaurant, and a Ford Motor Co. plant were spared.

Impact on UPS Operations

The crash forced the temporary shutdown of the Louisville airport and disrupted UPS Worldport, the company’s global cargo hub. While the airport has reopened to air traffic, the affected runway is expected to remain closed for up to 10 days. UPS resumed operations at its hub on Wednesday evening, aiming to return flights to their normal schedule by Thursday morning.

This incident marks the first UPS cargo plane crash since August 2013. The MD-11, produced by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), is a wide-body aircraft still used by FedEx and UPS for cargo operations. Aviation experts are particularly focused on the engine detachment during takeoff, though the aircraft is designed to fly with one engine inoperative.

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB, alongside Boeing and GE Aerospace, will investigate the cause of the crash. Safety expert Anthony Brickhouse noted that the engine fire and separation are likely to be a key focus, alongside the impact of losing an engine fully loaded with fuel for an 8½-hour flight.

Authorities have emphasized that there is currently no link between the crash and the recent U.S. government shutdown, which affected air traffic operations. The investigation will examine all technical and operational factors before issuing any recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.

As recovery continues, Louisville authorities are prioritizing public safety and cleanup of the crash debris. The community and UPS personnel are grappling with the loss, while aviation regulators prepare for an in-depth review that may shape cargo flight safety protocols for years to come.