Startling new evidence has emerged in the investigation of the UPS cargo plane crash that claimed two lives in Alabama, with satellite imagery revealing the aircraft underwent significant repairs just months before the tragic incident.
The Fateful Flight
A UPS Boeing 767-300 freighter, operating as flight 5X135 from Louisville to Birmingham, met its tragic end on approach to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. The aircraft crashed near the airport perimeter, resulting in the loss of both pilots aboard.
Revealing Satellite Evidence
Satellite images obtained by The Independent show the aircraft undergoing extensive maintenance work at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport between December 2023 and January 2024. The photographic evidence clearly displays the plane with its engines removed and undergoing substantial repairs.
Maintenance Timeline Raises Questions
The maintenance work occurred approximately three months prior to the catastrophic crash, raising important questions about whether these repairs could be connected to the subsequent accident. Aviation experts are now scrutinising whether the maintenance procedures were properly completed and documented.
Official Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft experienced an unspecified "issue" during its final approach, though the exact nature of the problem remains undisclosed.
Industry Implications
This incident has sent shockwaves through the cargo aviation industry, particularly as it involves one of the world's largest package delivery companies. The revelation of recent major repairs adds a new dimension to the investigation, potentially highlighting broader concerns about maintenance standards in the cargo sector.
Safety Under Scrutiny
Aviation safety experts emphasise that while aircraft regularly undergo maintenance, the timing and nature of these particular repairs warrant close examination. The investigation will likely focus on whether all maintenance protocols were followed and if the repairs could have contributed to the fatal outcome.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community awaits answers that could influence maintenance practices and safety protocols across the cargo aviation industry worldwide.
