UPS MD-11 crashes shortly after takeoff in Louisville as death toll rises to 7

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:

• Aircraft: McDonnellDouglas MD-11Frecord N259UPoperated by UPS Airlines
• Flight: UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville (SDF) to Honolulu (HNL)
• Shock time: Approximately 1715 local time (22:15 UTC) November 4, 2025
• Deaths: Seven confirmed deaths, 11 injured – at least two in critical condition
• Accident site: Near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Roadjust south of UPS Worldport
• Agencies: NTSB lead the investigation; FAA and local officials who help
• Operations: All flights in Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport stay suspended

The crash

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) on Tuesday afternoon, November 4, 2025, causing a massive explosion and fire near the company’s Worldport air hub.

The flight, operating as UPS Airlines Flight 2976, departed for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. FlightAware data shows departure from the gate at 1702 local time, about two hours late, and takeoff from runway 17R shortly after.

Moments later, the widebody MD-11F crashed near the intersection of Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, about a mile south of the runway. The plane crashed into the Kentucky oil recycling facility, causing a fire that engulfed several structures.

Governor Andy Beshear described the scene as “catastrophic,“ confirming that nearby buildings suffered serious damage. The adjacent Ford Louisville Assembly Plant briefly lost power but was not directly affected.

Deaths and injuries

Governor Beshear has confirmed seven deaths and 11 injuries, warning that the numbers could rise.

At least two workers at Grade A Auto Parts, located near the impact site, remain missing. Louisville CBS affiliate WLKY reported that two victims are in critical condition, while eight others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

There were no passengers aboard the plane, which was operating solely as a cargo flight. The status of the three-person UPS flight crew is still unconfirmed at the time of writing.

emergency response

More than a dozen fire and police units arrived within minutes of the impact. Louisville Metro Police closed the area near the crash site and issued a five-mile shelter-in-place order due to thick smoke and potential chemical hazards from burning structures. The stay-at-home order was later reduced to a one-mile radius.

Governor Beshear says the plane was not carrying any hazardous materials.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a large fireball and debris raining down on the area. Several nearby buildings caught fire as crews struggled to contain the fire and faced a tremendously difficult battle against a huge amount of burning jet fuel.

Flight data and observations

Flightradar24 shows that the aircraft lost signal seconds after departure, and its last recorded data point at 22:13 UTC (1713 local) indicated a speed of 184 knots at ground altitude.

Video circulating online shows the MD-11 taxiing down the runway with what appears to be flames coming from the left engine during takeoff. (CAUTION: Viewer discretion is advised due to graphic language.)

Aerial footage from local news helicopters shows debris strewn along the runway, including what appears to be an engine cover and possibly a separate engine lying next to the runway, pieces that will likely be crucial to investigators.

Ongoing investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration and local emergency agencies.

In a statement, the FAA said:

So far, authorities have not released any information about the possible causes. No weather issues were reported at the time of departure and there are no confirmed indications of a mechanical failure beyond what is seen in the video footage.

UPS Declaration

UPS Airlines issued the following statement on their website:

Operational impact on SDF

All flight operations at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport were suspended for the remainder of the day. Officials urge travelers to contact their airlines directly for information on new bookings and follow updates via FlyLouisville.com either @FlyLouisville in X.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Tuesday night that SDF would reopen Wednesday morning.

UPS also halted sorting operations at Worldport, which normally processes more than two million packages daily.

What we know about this UPS MD-11, N259UP

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (MSN 48417) involved in the Flight 2976 accident was 34.4 years old and was delivered new to Thai Airways in July 1991. The MD-11, registered as HS-TME, flew for Thai Airways until February 2006.

Four months later, on June 29, 2006, the plane was delivered to UPS. In 2007, it was converted to an MD-11F.

FlightRadar24 reports that N259UP underwent maintenance in San Antonio from September 3 to October 18 of this year.

What’s next?

NTSB Go Team investigators are expected to arrive in Louisville early Wednesday morning to begin on-site analysis. Officials will likely examine flight data recorders, maintenance records and the condition of recovered components.

This is still a developing story.: AvGeekery will continue to provide verified updates as new information becomes available.

We at AvGeekery and the entire aviation community mourn the crew of UPS Flight 2976, professionals who took to the skies in service and whose final flight will never be forgotten. Blue skies and tailwinds, always.