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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
A McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operated by UPS Airlines crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Flight data suggests the aircraft, bound for Honolulu, made impact south of the airfield at around 17:13 (EST).
Three crew members were onboard the aircraft. Several local agencies have reportedly responded to the situation, as a large cloud of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. Injuries are also being reported, according to local police.
Explosion Prompts Shelter In Place Order
Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft, registered as N259UP, was operating flight 2976. It departed from Runway 17R at approximately 17:12. A passenger on another flight caught the ordeal on camera, showing the aircraft on fire as it struggled to gain altitude. Data indicates the MD-11 reached a speed of 211 miles per hour (184 knots), but the footage shows it never lifted off the runway. The aircraft subsequently crashed and exploded, sending a large cloud of flames and smoke into the sky.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time as officials investigate. It is also unclear when or where the fire might have originated from. According to Louisville local affiliate WDRB, police and fire crews received a call about a plane crash near SDF just after 17:00. Due to the explosion, a shelter-in-place order was reportedly issued just after 17:30, concerning all areas within five miles of the airport. About 30 minutes later, the order was expanded to include all surrounding areas north of the airport, extending to the Ohio River.
A UPS spokesperson confirmed the crash in a statement to Simple Flying on Tuesday.
“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.”
NTSB To Investigate
UPS confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct the probe into the crash and will be the “primary source of information about the official investigation.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also told Simple Flying that it will partner with the NTSB.
