UPS Flight 2976 crashed the evening of Nov. 4, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Ky.—one of America’s largest cargo hubs. According to current reports, at least 13 people lost their lives and multiple more were injured, including people on the ground.
What happened to UPS Flight 2976?
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was bound for Hawaii when it took off at 5:15 p.m., climbing to 175 feet before it crashed. Video footage appears to show the plane taking off with fire on one wing which then loses altitude and crashes into an industrial area beyond the runway.
“The loss of life from this incident, including those killed on the ground, is truly tragic. People who were not on the plane suddenly lost their lives or were injured by a plane crash. It just shows how devastating these events can be,” said Motley Rice aviation attorney Tola Familoni.
UPS plane crash investigation
While numerous early photos and videos show footage of the aircraft’s final moments, there is no definitive answer as to what went wrong yet. NTSB officials are on the ground and their investigation is ongoing.
“Although it is still early in the investigation, video and photographic evidence shows that the Number 1 engine detached from the aircraft right before or during takeoff. The investigators will most likely focus on this aspect of the crash. ”The most important thing right now is to support the families and survivors of this terrible accident,” said Motley Rice aviation attorney and former U.S. Air Force navigator James Brauchle who served on cargo planes.
Our aviation experience
Motley Rice is one of the largest plaintiffs’ litigation firms in the United States. Our law firm has the experience and resources to investigate, litigate and resolve aviation disaster cases in the U.S. court system.
Our attorneys have worked with clients from and/or on crashes in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as several other countries across the globe. Additionally, we work with foreign lawyers on cases around the world. Our experience includes representing victims in litigation against:
- Airlines
- Manufacturers
- Maintenance contractors
- Airports
- Air traffic control
- Government entities
For more information, contact Motley Rice aviation attorneys Jim Brauchle, Mary Schiavo or Tola Familoni by email.
Key Takeaways
Learn More: