NTSB Shares Early Report on Kentucky
UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Kills 12
A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025,
killing 12 people after its left engine detached during takeoff.
NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman said the MD-11F “lifted off and cleared the fence,
but shortly after struck terrain off airport property.”
Investigation and Cause
CCTV footage confirmed the engine’s separation.
Investigators recovered the black boxes and are examining possible maintenance or mechanical failures.
Preliminary findings suggest the engine may have sheared off due to metal fatigue or faulty mounting.
Victims and Response
Mayor Craig Greenberg said victims included three crew members and nine people on the ground.
Governor Andy Beshear urged prayers for the victims as fire crews battled massive blazes and hazardous debris.
Community Impact
Flights were suspended, nearby businesses destroyed, and power briefly disrupted.
Witnesses said, “It looked like it was trying to climb but just couldn’t.”
