https://avherald.com/h?article=52f5748f&opt=0 The Aviation Herald Last Update: Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 20:40Z 32136 Articles available Events from Mar 23rd 1994 to Nov 4th 2025 www.avherald.com Incidents and News in Aviation Next Sort list List Earlier List by: by currently Filter: Crashes Accidents Incidents News Reports [ ] search Article Occurrence sorted by On On On On On date Update --------------------------------------------------------------------- Germanwings: Die Crash: UPS MD11 at Louisville on Nov 4th 2025, burst into flames on Untersuchung/The takeoff Investigation --------------------------- By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Nov 5th 2025 07:11Z, last The Aviation Herald Apps updated Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 20:40Z Android and iOS A UPS United Parcel Service McDonnell Douglas MD-11, registration AVHAPP on Android and iOS N259UP performing flight 5X-2976 from Louisville,KY to Honolulu,HI Support The Aviation Herald (USA) with 3 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Louisville's runway 17R at 17:13L (22:13Z) when the aircraft impacted ground and Euro came to a rest at approximate position N38.146 W85.734 about 0.57nm Support The Aviation Herald past the runway end and about 0.09nm to the left of the extended runway centerline bursting into flames. All three on board perished, US$ 4 fatalities on the ground are confirmed and 11 injuries on the Support The Aviation Herald ground reported, too. Interview: The aircraft had already been handed off to departure frequency but The human factor named did not report on departure frequency anymore. "Simon Hradecky" and the team of man and machine According to ADS-B data the aircraft achieved 185 knots over ground near the aiming markers runway 35L still on the runway centerline but never became airborne. According to pictorial evidence engine #1 (left hand engine, CF6) separated the airframe during rotation for takeoff, the departure of that engine may also have failed the center engine #2. The FAA reported: "UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate." Ground observers reported the aircraft had been delayed for about two hours for work on the left hand engine (engine #1), the engine #1 separated during the takeoff run, the center engine emitted streaks of flames, the aircraft impacted a UPS warehouse and ploughed through other facilities before coming to rest in a large plume of fire and smoke. The local governor reported the plane hit two businesses near the airport, the three occupants of the aircraft died, 4 people on the ground are confirmed dead, the death toll could rise. At least 11 people are treated in hospitals for in part serious injuries, that number might rise further, too. The aircraft with 38000 gallons of fuel climbed to about 175 feet AGL before descending again. UPS reported they are halting package sorting at Louisville. The NTSB reported: "NTSB is launching a go-team to investigate Tuesday s crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft, Flight 2976 near Louisville, Kentucky. NTSB Board Member Todd Inman will serve as the on-scene spokesperson. The investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky tomorrow. A media briefing will be held tomorrow, with the time and location to be announced." On Nov 5th 2025 20:00Z the NTSB reported in a press conference, the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been identified, show some limited fire damage, the NTSB is hopeful to be able to read the recorders out but won't be able to tell before the recorders have been prepared for readout at the NTSB lab. After being cleared for takeoff a large plume of fire occurred at the left hand side, the aircraft gained enough height to clear the airport perimeter fence before impacting a building. The CCTV show the left hand engine separated from the aircraft during the takeoff run. The debris field is about half a mile long. The NTSB is also looking into maintenance of the aircraft. Another briefing will be held on Thursday, which will be the first full day on scene for the NTSB, which is anticipated to stay on scene for a week. End of Media briefing. In their second media briefing on Nov 6th 2025 the NTSB released a photo of CVR and FDR (see below) and reported, that the FAA, United Parcel Service, ALPA, the mechanics for UPS, Boeing and GE engines are parties into the investigation. The NTSB currently consists of over 30 individuals not including the individuals in Washington. According to the ADS-B the aircraft was at 475 feet MSL at 183 knots over ground at 17:13:32L (22:13:32Z) - Editorial note: the threshold of runway 35L/runway end 17R is at 461 feet MSL. The NTSB performed a "FOD Walk" (check for foreign object debris) on both runways 17L and 17R. Multiple pieces of engine fan blades were found on runway 17R along with the main component of the #1 engine, all debris was transferred to a secure facility. The FDR download was successful and revealed 63 hours of flight data, a FDR group was formed at the headquarters in Washington. The CVR was also downloaded successfully, two hours of audio including the accident flight were recovered. Maintenance data have been collected from San Antonio,TX (USA), where the aircraft had undergone maintenance for several weeks. Immediately prior to the departure and crash of the aircraft the NTSB is not aware that any maintenance has been done to the aircraft or that the aircraft was delayed. End of media briefing. Related NOTAMs: !SDF 11/010 SDF RWY 17L/35R CLSD 2511031730-2511040300 !SDF 11/031 SDF RWY 35L ALS U/S 2511041300-2511041800 !SDF 11/038 SDF AD AP CLSD 2511042230-2511051200 !SDF 11/077 SDF RWY 17L/35R CLSD 2511050624-2511080300 Metars: KSDF 050056Z 15005KT 10SM SCT026 SCT250 13/05 A3020 RMK AO2 SLP227 FU SCT026 T01280050= KSDF 050028Z 15005KT 10SM SCT026 BKN250 13/05 A3020 RMK AO2 FU SCT026 T01330050= KSDF 042356Z 14004KT 10SM FEW022 BKN026 BKN250 14/06 A3021 RMK AO2 SLP229 FU BKN026 T01390056 10183 20133 56007= KSDF 042303Z 16008KT 10SM FEW021 BKN028 BKN032 BKN250 16/05 A3021 RMK AO2 FU BKN028 T01560050= KSDF 042256Z 17006KT 10SM SCT032 BKN250 16/05 A3021 RMK AO2 SLP230 FU SCT032 T01560050= KSDF 042156Z 12006KT 10SM SCT200 BKN250 17/05 A3022 RMK AO2 SLP233 T01670050= KSDF 042056Z 15006KT 10SM FEW200 BKN250 17/04 A3023 RMK AO2 SLP237 T01720044 56028= KSDF 041956Z 14006KT 10SM FEW200 BKN250 18/04 A3025 RMK AO2 SLP241 T01780044= KSDF 041856Z 15007KT 10SM FEW200 BKN250 18/02 A3028 RMK AO2 SLP253 T01780022= KSDF 041756Z 17008KT 10SM FEW200 BKN250 17/02 A3031 RMK AO2 SLP264 T01670022 10167 20033 58028= CCTV recording of initial impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hI2RxfCmhE Another CCTV recording of final stages of takeoff run and initial impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmePrd7PkYI CCTV camera footage of last stages of takeoff run and crash sequence included in News Coverage (Video: WHAS11): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0cmrFJ6mN8 NTSB Media Briefing #2 of Nov 6th 2025 (Video: NTSB): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srB2ezbnP24 NTSB Media Briefing #1 of Nov 5th 2025 (Video: NTSB): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw6CtQJckzE The CVR (Left) and FDR (right) of the crashed MD11 (Photo: NTSB): The CVR (Left) and FDR (right) of the crashed MD11 (Photo: NTSB) Engine #1 at the side of the runway: Engine #1 at the side of the runway Aerial overview of crash site: Aerial overview of crash site Map (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth): Map (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Reader Comments: (the comments posted below do not reflect the view of The Aviation Herald but represent the view of the various posters) --------------------------------------------------------------------- limited parallels to AA191 and 6C157 By Jochen Schaefer on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 22:23Z Well, folks, although there are certain parallels (engine seprtation, runway overshot), this accident is neither similar to AA191 nor to 6C157. AA191 was able to get airborne and eventually crashed after following SOP to reduce speed, due to a stall caused by the damaged left wing leading edge slats. 5X2976 did not even manage to get airborne. Apart from the engine seperation, the sequence of events is quite different from AA191. 6C157 overshot the runway end because the MTOW was out of limits. This flight was also able to get airborne and finally crashed some 4km from the airport due to the massive damage the aircraft suffered during the overshot. So, apart from the overshot, this sequence of events is quite different from 5X2976 as well. Therefore, I m sure we can expect the industy to learn some more, probably new, lessons. --------------------------------------------------------------------- By (anonymous) on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 22:09Z slat latches were on the Dc10 - they are NOT used on the MD11 - only hydraulic valves are used in the MD11 - whether these worked here is an additional question for the team as there are failure modes that can still cause partial L/E retraction --------------------------------------------------------------------- Investigative Parties By USJETS on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 21:26Z Why is the Louisville Regional Airport Commission not amongst the identified investigative parties (today s presser)? And apparently not subject to the gag order, based on the Mayor s earlier presser today. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi CC By Jetman on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 20:54Z Looking closely at the picture of the loss engine on the ground, seems to me that fan hub and booster are still attached to the core , what is missing is fan blade, OGV, strut and case. Also, there is a web cam video after roll out showing #1engine and pylon are missing meaning that we can not yet clearly identify the cause of separation, engine failure or pylon attachement.. IMHO of course as better picture of what was found on the ground before the crash site and recording data will give clear understanding of the full scenario. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Left engine By tom 2 on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 20:18Z Its the LEFT PYLON that departed, with the engine attached. My guess it that the pylon seperated from the engine as it tumbled down the runway. Then....the electrics, pneumatics or other sparkes caused a fire, from a severed fuel line and possibly the tank being opened. As for the hydraulics, they would have been lost too, see DC10 Chicago, in go the left slats. --------------------------------------------------------------------- @(anonymous) on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 19:46Z By Horstroad on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 20:15Z "the #1 engine left the aircraft and it became uncontrollable as a result - this should not be rocket science to anyone in the game" You're wrong. 'Anyone in the game' can see the differences to AA 191. The aircraft was apparently still controllable. We see an aircraft with wings level but unable to climb. The industry has learned its lessons. We don't know yet why eng #1 was lost, but the outcome is not the same. After AA 191 slat extend latches were introduced and that, among other things, prevent a carbon copy accident. There were further very unfortunate circumstances that ultimately doomed that flight. Obviously a second engine also lost power which prevented the aircraft from climbing. The industry will learned another lesson. Many regulations are written in blood. --------------------------------------------------------------------- By (anonymous) on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 19:46Z there is nothing defining in new videos - the #1 engine left the aircraft and it became uncontrollable as a result - this should not be rocket science to anyone in the game why the #1 engine separated from the wing remains to be seen, but the AA191 event, or something along those lines, is one of the few reasons why an engine would depart the aircraft on a take off roll. read history, or otherwise repeat it --------------------------------------------------------------------- no RTO possibility By Romeo on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 19:43Z very tragic incident, was the MD11 already above the v1 that RTO was not possible and/or there was not enough runway even above v1? --------------------------------------------------------------------- Extreme close-up video By Steve on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 19:36Z One of the most defining videos or at least one if not, the closest shot of the aircraft in flight suggest he is wings level, number one engine is off the aircraft, and he is already a fuel leak and fire. He then hits the powerlines which of itself almost had to result in total destruction of the aircraft. --------------------------------------------------------------------- @ Carsten RE: "Racism" By Bea Objective on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 18:44Z You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. Pointing out a CULTURAL difference between two countries is not "racist". Different countries have different histories, governmental styles, foundations, economies, etc. that all create unique culture. And one is different than the other. If anyone said that India produced their AI171 preliminary report (that most admit raised more questions than it answered) because of their RACE (and NOT their CULTURE) - than, yes - that is racist. Said another way - if someone claimed the NTSB would produce a similar, minimal, "question raising" prelim report on UPS 2976 if the NTSB were staffed with people of Indian descent - yeah, that's racist. But pointing out how India has a culture known for its slow, bureaucratic red tape isn't racist. Nobody is being racist highlighting the way this is being managed compared to AI171. --------------------------------------------------------------------- By jordan on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 17:32Z For those clueless about aviation history, look up the events of AA 191 and stop asking the same questions. Its been correctly referenced over a dozen times here now as the similarities to this crash are way too striking regarding: a) engine removal/install issues (pylon/wing mount) b) what happens to DC10/MD11 flight characteristics after engine/ pylon mount failures and engine separation at high power settings and specifically, the L/E slats becoming asymmetrical ---------------- The #2 engine has been shown surging in photos/videos, this should be obvious as to its effects on power output capacity on a, probably MTOW aircraft. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Hit Power lines, then fire By Ethan Brand on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 17:21Z There is a new crystal cleara video from a vehicle which clearly shows the plane airborne maybe 75 ft height or so flying left to righ in the video, shows #2 engine intact. No flames at first, but mist trailing the aircraft (I assume leaking fuel from the left damaged wing?) then it hits/crosses some high voltage wires, you can see the wires rebounding one the poles near the cam vehicle, then then the big fire starts. So as has been discussed why couldn't it gain altitude with the right and center engines...as the experienced pilots on this forum see this video, I expect a much clearer picture of this horrid event. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 2/2 (finger trouble) By Horstroad on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 17:01Z We don't know yet if the fan case separating from the core is related to the cause of the engine separating from the aircraft, or a consequence of the engine separation. Could be either way. The NTSB briefing says that they have CCTV footage of the actual separation event, so I guess we'll know for sure soon. --------------------------------------------------------------------- @AJG on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 15:44Z By Horstroad on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 16:57Z Regarding the fuel tank repair... I have no idea how this information can get public. Same with the reports of corrosion in the bilge area that I've seen. 1. I don't think information like this is supposed to be public and legal consequences might follow 2. Findings like these are totally normal for an aircraft of this age. If the general public knew what is regularly fund during heavy maintenance, nobody would dare to fly. But that's what we have a maintenance schedule for. To find the issues before they become a problem and rectify them. That's why aviation is as safe as it is. 3. Neither the crack in the fuel tank or the corrosion in the bilge area are the cause of this accident. Either a defect on the engine or pylon was overlooked, or maintenance work was done improperly. We don't know yet if the fan case separating from the core is related to the cause of the engine separating from the aircraft, or a conservative --------------------------------------------------------------------- All accusing AAIB India of obstruction By CaptNemo on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 16:52Z Just for your information, the preliminary report on AIC 171 was released on 12JUL2025, exactly one month after the crash on 12JUN2025. So there was no slowness. As regards secrecy, I invite you to actually read that report (it's on AAIB India website) and then explain why you feel that the report conceals essential facts which we need to know at this point itself. Yes, the report does conceal the name of the pilot accusing the other. Would it be nice if the report gave names and then vitcims' families made possible attacks on the pilot's family ? --------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 engine By Julio on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 16:24Z For those not believing debris entering engine number 2, remember that the nacelle and the engine #1 itself came to rest on the right side of the runway. It s not difficult to see that the trajectory of them had to be above the aircraft and not below. Debris probably were ingested by engine #2 to the extent of causing it to fail. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Petroleum recycling plant By VictorZulu on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 16:20Z The first video that Simon displays in his description actually shows the impact into this very Fuel recycling plant on the right. It seems to me however, the first impact has been already with the UPS warehouse in the extension of the centerline. --------------------------------------------------------------------- fuel tank repairs By AJG on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 15:44Z As reported today, "The MD-11 plane was stranded in San Antonio for repairs from Sept. 3 to Oct. 18 as it received a permanent repair to fix a crack in the fuel tank before getting back in the sky, according to FAA maintenance records reviewed by the Wall Street Journal." With it a picture just prior to second impact with no engine or pylon. --------------------------------------------------------------------- #2 stall By PTC Bernie on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 15:41Z People are commenting on flames from the #2 engine. My less than humble opinion is that he s in such a nose high attitude that the airflow was disrupted to #2 and it had a momentary stall or two. I don t see how debris would get up that high . --------------------------------------------------------------------- By Matt_voy on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 15:29Z Looking at the map, it seems like there's a huge warehouse directly behind the airport, at the end of the runway, and only later, behind it, is this fuel processing station? --------------------------------------------------------------------- By (anonymous) on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:58Z This video shows the wing with the engine clearly 'missing' from the left hand side. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Worse Than Concrete Wall By Rawa Badawee on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:54Z I thought concrete walls at the end of a runway were the craziest thing I'd heard of... but a fuel recycling depot takes the prize! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Flight delay? By Kat on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:51Z "The UPS flight was not delayed and no maintenance work was done immediately before the crash Tuesday", National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said Wednesday." Not sure why he says flight was not delayed. According to the tracker website, it -was- delayed, by approx. two hours, as noted by many commenters. --------------------------------------------------------------------- eng #2 By MichaelE on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:18Z Unusual that we have a MD-11 with 240,000 pounds potential full thrust with #2 vulnerable to debris from #1 failure cutting that to 80,000 pounds. But a twin, say a 777 with 230,000 pounds potential full thrust, loses left engine leaving with it with 115,000 pounds potential virtue of having the fuselage for damage protection (video indicates engine 3 in this MD-11 may have been fully funcitonal into the crash). A case where a twin safer than a triple. OK, I know the 3 engine wide body has been in service 55 years to get to a horriffic incident like this but... --------------------------------------------------------------------- @JD, By Carsten on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:12Z Text was incomplete due to the use of 'at'-sign, again: Although I have more confidence in the working methods of agencies such as the NTSB, AAIB, BFU, etc. than in the procedures of some other agencies, I must say that nothing different has happened in the US at this point in time: - an accident has occurred; - rescue services have been deployed; - the investigation agency has mobilised the relevant teams; - the first press release from the only authorised body has been issued ... nothing more has happened yet, and in the case of the Louisville incident, the rest lies still in the future. I also believe that the information policy in the Indian example has been highly unsatisfactory so far, but JD's comment smacks of disgusting condescension, perhaps even racism. In this respect, I agree with BG and strongly reject Lee's reaction and as soon as we leave the realm of experts and look at organisations such as the FAA, objectivity goes out the window anyway. Civility. --------------------------------------------------------------------- @JD, BG, Lee By Carsten on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 14:08Z Although I have more confidence in the working methods of agencies such as the NTSB, AAIB, BFU, etc. than in the procedures of some other agencies, I must say that nothing different has happened in the US (against the Indian example) at this point in time: - an accident has occurred; - rescue services have been deployed; - the investigation agency has mobilised the relevant teams; - the first press release from the only authorised body has been issued ... nothing more has happened yet, and in the case of the Louisville incident, the rest lies still in the future. I also believe that the information policy in the Indian example has been highly unsatisfactory so far, but comment smacks of disgusting condescension, perhaps even ra**sm. In this respect, I agree with and strongly reject reaction and as soon as we leave the realm of experts and look at organisations such as the FAA, objectivity goes out the window anyway. A little civility would be desirable. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Eng #2 By You can send a monkey into space on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 13:46Z The aircraft was doomed after Vr If you carefully look at the Vid of the take-off roll, you can see Eng#2 Stall/surge. 1st flameburst clearly visible and a second a little later It happens just after rotation. Mainwheels just off ground. Also you can see the aircraft pitch nose up a bit more slightly after, wich reinforces Eng #2 power loss this is normal when the MD 11 loses thrust from #2 engine. The crew didn t stand a chance. --------------------------------------------------------------------- So sad By Pablo Allelli on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 00:33Z That engine, lying on the grass, all a bit bashed and bruised but none the less mostly intact, it says a lot. The engine clearly didn t hit anything big enough to cause it to sear off from the wing. Did it just fall off the wing? Metal fatigue or maintenance may be to blame, but who knows. Let s wait for the investigation. That said, so sad for the crew and those that were killed and injured on the ground. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Left wing By Bipin Thacker on Thursday, Nov 6th 2025 00:27Z Recent Left wing engine repair was conducted by local union or Lufthansa or Turkey Teqnik? Why plane departed late? Seems like maintenance issue since Engine separated. Why would the 2 remaining engine not tk care of the flight? Its just not acceptable. Public needs to know. The 2 remaining engines r not for the showbiz only? God..where would we find safety now? Quality control is sacred Godly quality. --------------------------------------------------------------------- RIP By Clarence on Wednesday, Nov 5th 2025 23:58Z May the dead rest in peace --------------------------------------------------------------------- Only the most recent 30 comments are shown to reduce server load. Click here to show the remaining comments --------------------------------------------------------------------- Add your comment: (max 1024 characters) Your IP address 216.82.21.147 is being tracked. We reserve the right to remove any comment for any reason. Profanities, personal attacks (against any physical or legal person), discussions about site policies, false statements or similiar as well as copyrighted materials from third parties will not be tolerated, those messages will summarily be deleted. 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