Louisville, Kentucky — Investigators are examining a devastating accident involving a UPS cargo aircraft that went down shortly after an attempted takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport earlier today.
The aircraft, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was scheduled to fly to Honolulu with three crew members on board: two pilots and a flight engineer.
Initial information indicates the aircraft encountered a serious malfunction as it sped down the runway. Eyewitness video shows one — and possibly two — engines shooting out flames during the takeoff roll. Within seconds, the emergency intensified beyond what the crew could correct.
The aircraft never became airborne and crashed just past the runway’s end, igniting a massive explosion fueled by the large amount of fuel required for the long-haul trip to Hawaii. The wreckage — described as stretching between a quarter-mile and half-mile — scattered across an industrial area made up of warehouses and a recycling center.
Firefighters and emergency personnel responded immediately, facing intense flames and widespread debris. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the crew’s fate or whether anyone on the ground was injured. Employees in nearby buildings were evacuated as crews fought to bring the fire under control.
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have confirmed that investigation teams are being dispatched. Their review will examine possible engine malfunction, mechanical failure, and other contributing factors behind the sudden crash.
Local officials are asking residents to stay away from the area while emergency operations continue. Further updates are expected as investigators begin reviewing flight data, maintenance logs, and witness footage.
About the Author
