Federal investigators confirmed that the left engine of a UPS cargo aircraft detached during takeoff before the deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky, that killed 12 people Tuesday evening. The UPS plane crash has prompted a joint investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI amid questions about what caused the catastrophic failure.
UPS Flight 2976 departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) at around 5:15 p.m. ET before crashing into the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building. Governor Andy Beshear said 12 people were killed, including all three crew members and a child on the ground, while 11 others were injured.
The NTSB reported the aircraft’s left engine “fell off during takeoff” and was later found on the airfield. Officials confirmed that no maintenance issues or flight delays were recorded before departure and said there were no current airworthiness directives tied to the aircraft or its engines.
The FBI’s involvement follows a “longstanding Interagency agreement,” according to the NTSB, though investigators have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. Recovered black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder — appeared intact despite severe fire damage and were sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis.
The aircraft, nearly 35 years old, was part of UPS’s global air cargo fleet operating out of its Worldport hub in Louisville, the company’s largest package-handling facility and a vital link in America’s supply chain. Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to assist in recovery and investigation efforts.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg wrote on X, “No one should face tragedy alone. Please take a moment to hug your loved ones and check on your neighbors.” Officials said the NTSB will coordinate multiple technical teams to examine the engines, maintenance records, flight systems, and wreckage.
