The widow of a pilot killed in a devastating UPS cargo plane crash in November has described the horrific moment she discovered her husband's death, while revealing she has filed a lawsuit against the mail carrier and other companies. Donna Diamond's husband, Dana Diamond, was among fifteen people who lost their lives when a Boeing MD-11F aircraft exploded shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky.
A Tragic Discovery and Legal Action
Dana Diamond was one of three pilots who perished, along with twelve individuals on the ground, in the catastrophic crash on November 4, 2025. His widow, Donna Diamond, recounted the heart-wrenching instant she learned of the tragedy to WLTV. "My son was here, and I was running to my iPad, and he said, 'Don't look, mama,'" she told the outlet. "And I looked, and I saw the crash. I didn't see the plane, but it said SDF to Honolulu, and I just hit the floor in the kitchen. And I just laid there, just screaming and screaming."
Details of the Crash and Lawsuit Allegations
According to a civil complaint filed by Donna Diamond on February 24, the aircraft's left wing burst into flames and the engine detached during takeoff. The plane reportedly ascended no more than 100 feet before plummeting, striking a UPS warehouse and crashing into a storage yard containing a petroleum recycling facility. This resulted in a massive plume of fiery smoke and extensive destruction.
Donna Diamond is now suing General Electric, Boeing, and VT San Antonio Aerospace Inc., alleging gross negligence and responsibility for her husband's death. The lawsuit claims that VT San Antonio Aerospace failed to properly maintain and repair the aircraft, Boeing was aware of the plane's disrepair and flawed manufacturing, and General Electric did not adequately design or test the malfunctioning engine and its mounting structures.
Personal Loss and Legal Claims
Donna explained that this marks the second time she has been widowed, making Dana's loss particularly challenging due to their close bond. The couple had been together for ten years, celebrating their anniversary just a month before the crash. They did everything together, from grocery shopping to attending hair appointments.
The civil complaint includes claims for loss of spousal consortium, stating Donna "has suffered and will continue to suffer the loss of Dana's love, affection, assistance, aid, companionship, care, guidance, protection, nurturing, services, society, and all other elements of spousal consortium." Additionally, she seeks damages for emotional distress, lost income, and funeral expenses.
Background on the Aircraft and Responses
The Boeing MD-11F involved in the crash was manufactured in 1991 by McDonnell Douglas, now owned by Boeing, and purchased by UPS in 2006. At 34 years old, its fuel tank had last been repaired in September, according to flight records. In response to the lawsuit, a General Electric spokesperson expressed deep sadness and extended sympathies to the families, emphasizing safety and support for the NTSB investigation. The Daily Mail has also reached out to Donna's attorneys, Boeing, and VT San Antonio Aerospace for comment.
Donna shared poignant memories, noting that Dana never had children but was grateful for her seven grandchildren. His last words to her were a text message reading, "I love you, wife." She reflected that reviewing their message history now holds profound meaning beyond words.
