A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft experienced a tragic crash shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time. The flight, designated UPS Flight 2976, was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Reports indicate three crew members were on board, and the crash resulted in a significant blaze near Fern Valley and Grade Lane. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed their response to the crash site and announced the indefinite closure of Grade Lane between Stooges and Crittenden due to the incident. While injuries have been reported, the exact condition of the crew is pending official updates. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of this devastating event, with the FAA also involved. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, suggesting at least three casualties and urging prayers for the affected families and flight crew. He stated that there was no hazardous cargo on the flight. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared his condolences, describing the emerging visuals from Kentucky as ‘heartbreaking’ and confirming the mobilization of FAA and NTSB teams for the investigation. Details regarding the specific cause of the crash have not yet been released.
