Authorities have released their preliminary report on the investigation, while the mayor has confirmed the number of victims following the deadly cargo plane crash.
Federal investigators revealed that a UPS cargo aircraft’s left engine detached during takeoff before the plane went down just beyond the runway at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, claiming multiple lives.
The tragic crash quickly spread across social media, where users expressed disbelief and sorrow over the catastrophic failure. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) based its early findings on video evidence, physical debris, and initial technical analysis.
Flight Struggled Moments After Takeoff
The accident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on November 4, 2025, and involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F headed for Honolulu.
According to NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman, the plane initially lifted off successfully but quickly ran into trouble. “The plane lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear the fence at the end of Runway 17R. Shortly after clearing that fence, it made impact with structures and terrain off the airport property,” he explained.
Massive Force Behind Engine Separation
The crash’s intensity was staggering. The left engine broke free from the aircraft, causing immense damage. “This engine was on the left side of the airplane when it came off. That’s a 5-ton engine that was thrown across the runway and into the grassy area on the right,” CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave said, highlighting the enormous force of the incident.
Footage from the runway showed flames and smoke pouring from the right wing, possibly due to debris from the detached left engine. “It’s possible that there were issues with two of the plane’s three engines as it tried to take off,” Van Cleave added.
Black Boxes Found and Retrieved
Despite the intense post-crash fire, investigators located and secured the flight recorders. “You could easily identify it as a black box by the two cylinders on top,” Inman said.
While the devices sustained some heat exposure, officials are hopeful the data can be recovered. “Fortunately, they weren’t buried in wreckage for days or underwater. The fire was severe, but the boxes are designed to survive that,” Inman added.
He also confirmed that airport surveillance cameras captured the exact moment the engine detached during takeoff. “We have reviewed airport CCTV footage showing the left engine separating from the wing during the takeoff roll,” he said.
Mayor Confirms Fatalities
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg addressed the public, confirming that 12 people died in the crash. “We believe three of them are likely crew members, and the remaining nine have not yet been identified,” he stated.
He added that fifteen families have sought help and information at the family assistance center operated by Louisville Metro Police at their Taylor Boulevard training facility.
Public Reactions and Speculation
The incident sparked widespread reactions online. “How can that happen? Planes are thoroughly inspected before every flight!! 😱😢” one person wrote. Another speculated, “Looks like sabotage or a maintenance failure.” A third commented, “Check the mechanics—this is not normal!”
Others expressed sympathy for those lost. “Those poor pilots did everything they could to save the plane and their lives. Prayers for everyone affected,” one user posted. Another asked, “Do you think it could be because the plane has been flying since 1991?”
Another comment read, “Prayers to the families and the UPS team,” while someone else added, “That’s absolutely horrific. I can’t imagine what they went through.”
The tragedy follows earlier updates released on November 5, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed its involvement alongside the NTSB and shared initial details about the crash and rescue response.
FAA and NTSB Continue Joint Investigation
In an official statement posted online, the FAA wrote, “The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates.” Officials also cautioned, “This information is preliminary and subject to change,” as more details emerge.
The crash has deeply affected the Louisville community and the wider state. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear offered condolences, writing, “Please pray for the families, for Louisville, and for all of Kentucky. We are grieving deeply after a heartbreaking day.”