On November 5, 2025, a UPS MD-11 cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, en route to Honolulu. The incident resulted in at least nine fatalities and numerous injuries.

Incident Details

The crash occurred around 5:20 PM ET on November 4, 2025, leading to a significant fireball and extensive damage. The aircraft was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel at the time of takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that three crew members were on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

Impact and Response

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg both expressed their sorrow over the tragic event. UPS halted package sorting operations at Worldport, its largest package delivery hub, following the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Flights at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport were temporarily suspended, and passengers were evacuated.