Shocking new footage has emerged showing the horrifying moment a UPS jet's engine burst into a massive fireball before crashing and killing 15 people in Kentucky. The video, released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday, captures the engine and pylon detaching from the aging aircraft's wing during takeoff at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Deadly Crash Details
The accident occurred on November 4, 2025, when UPS Flight 2976, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was heading to Hawaii. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed in an industrial area outside the airport, killing three crew members and 12 people on the ground. The jet was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which fueled a massive inferno that spread over a half-mile radius.
Pablo Rojas, an aviation attorney, described the scene: "Really the plane itself is almost acting like a bomb because of the amount of fuel." Hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze overnight, searching for victims amid the debris.
Victims Identified
The victims on the ground included Angela Anderson, 45; Carlos Fernandez, 52; Trinadette "Trina" Chavez, 37; Tony Crain, 65; John Loucks, 52; John Spray, 45; Matthew Sweets, 37; Ella Petty Whorton, 31; Megan Washburn, 35; Louisnes Fedon, 47; and his 3-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa. Alain Rodriguez Colina, severely injured in the crash, later died on Christmas Day.
The three crew members were identified as UPS employees: Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57; First Officer Lee Truitt, 45; and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond, 62.
Investigation Underway
The NTSB is holding a hearing this week in Washington, D.C., to investigate the cause of the crash. As a result of the incident, all MD-11s were grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration for months. The footage shows a ball of flames engulfing the aircraft as it crashes, leaving a massive debris field.
This tragic event has raised serious questions about the safety of aging aircraft and the circumstances leading to the engine detachment. The NTSB continues to analyze the evidence to prevent future disasters.
