Louisville, Kentucky — Federal investigators and local authorities are examining the cause of a deadly UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport that killed at least 14 people and injured several others. The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday when a UPS MD-11 aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure during takeoff en route to Honolulu, carrying standard freight and roughly 38,000 gallons of jet fuel.
Witnesses reported the plane struggled to gain altitude before crashing near the runway, triggering fires and damaging nearby industrial buildings. Emergency crews responded quickly, but officials have since shifted from rescue to recovery operations. Among the confirmed dead are all three crew members on board. Authorities also confirmed casualties on the ground, with several people still unaccounted for.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency to speed aid and recovery efforts. The NTSB and FAA are leading the investigation, with the aircraft’s black boxes recovered for analysis. Airport operations remain partially disrupted as inspections continue. Community support services and family-assistance centers have been established while the investigation proceeds.
