Federal Investigation Continues Into Deadly UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville

Investigators Continue Examining the November 2025 Disaster

Federal investigators are continuing their examination of the UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, nearly 10 months after the accident killed 15 people and injured 23 others.

The November 4, 2025 crash involved UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo aircraft that was departing Louisville for Honolulu, Hawaii.

The aircraft crashed shortly after beginning its takeoff from Runway 17R at approximately 5:14 p.m.

All three crew members aboard the aircraft were killed. Twelve people on the ground also ultimately died from injuries connected to the crash, while 23 others were injured.

The accident caused extensive destruction in an industrial area immediately south of the airport and triggered a major investigation involving the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.

Engine and Pylon Separated During Takeoff

One of the most significant findings established during the investigation concerns the aircraft’s left engine.

Airport surveillance footage showed the left engine and its pylon separating from the left wing during the takeoff sequence.

The pylon is the structure that connects an aircraft engine to the wing.

After the separation, Flight 2976 continued forward but was unable to remain safely airborne.

The aircraft eventually struck the ground in an industrial area near the airport.

A large post-crash fire followed, fueled in part by the aircraft’s jet fuel. The airplane was destroyed, and nearby property sustained extensive damage.

Emergency crews responded quickly as firefighters attempted to control the flames while other responders searched the surrounding area for victims.

UPS Identified the Three Crew Members

UPS publicly identified the three crew members aboard Flight 2976 on November 6, 2025.

Captain Richard Wartenberg was 57 years old.

First Officer Lee Truitt was 45.

International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond was 62.

All three died in the crash.

The loss of the flight crew was accompanied by significant casualties on the ground, where the aircraft struck an area containing businesses and workers near the airport.