A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025, after its left engine detached during takeoff. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F headed to Honolulu, struggled to gain altitude and crashed beyond the runway, triggering a massive fire.
Early NTSB findings confirm the engine separation was captured on airport security cameras, and investigators have recovered the black boxes. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed multiple fatalities, including crew members and civilians on the ground, with numbers expected to rise as searches continue. Emergency crews from numerous agencies responded, and officials urged residents in nearby areas to shelter in place due to potential hazards
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and other leaders expressed condolences, asking the public to support affected families as investigators continue to examine the cause of the catastrophic failure.