Direct answer: A UPS cargo plane, an MD-11, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). The incident occurred on the evening of November 4, 2025, and resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, with the airport temporarily closed as responders dealt with the scene. Context and details:
- The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operating as UPS Flight 2976, bound for Honolulu. This aircraft type is a wide-body tri-jet commonly used for cargo operations.
- Initial reports indicated a large fireball and significant damage near the runway area, with authorities sheltering in place and the airport canceling or delaying flights until operations could be resumed.
- Casualties were reported in the dozens across both aboard the aircraft and on the ground, with authorities describing the scene as active and dangerous while investigations commenced by the FAA and NTSB.
- Coverage from major outlets indicates this is one of the deadliest UPS Airlines accidents to date, and it prompted a rapid, multi-agency response to secure the site and begin inquiries into the cause.
Key clarifications:
- The incident date is November 4, 2025, with official confirmations continuing as investigation details are released.
- The investigation teams (FAA and NTSB) are handling the formal inquiry to determine the factors contributing to the crash.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest official updates or provide a concise timeline of events as reported by trusted sources.
