Federal investigators are looking deep into the tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky that killed at least 12 people and injured nearly 20 others. The aircraft lost one of its engines during takeoff and eventually crashed, causing flames and panic at the airport. The disaster disrupted operations at UPS’s largest package distribution hub and halted some flights.
Governor Andy Beshear reported that several individuals remain unaccounted for, and search teams continue to comb through the industrial area where the plane crashed.
**What Happened?** Initial reports reveal that the left wing caught fire during takeoff, which led to the engine detachment. This particular plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 with three engines, should have been able to take off despite losing one engine. However, if the other engines were damaged, taking off may have been impossible, according to aviation expert John Cox.
This incident shares similarities with a significant crash in 1979 at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, where a similar problem with engine detachment killed 273 people. That crash was attributed to poor maintenance. Now, investigators are closely examining UPS’s maintenance records and the plane’s operational history. Notably, the MD-11 was recently on the ground for over a month for maintenance before this disaster.
Aviation lawyer Pablo Rojas observed that video footage indicated the plane struggled to gain altitude as flames engulfed its left side. As it was fully loaded with fuel, the situation became extremely dangerous. If the pilot noticed the flames, attempting to abort the takeoff could have posed its own risks.
The crash left a significant path of destruction, narrowly missing a nearby restaurant and hitting a building near a Ford auto assembly plant. Fire officials noted that flames stretched nearly a city block, causing extensive damage to the airplane’s fuselage.
UPS has ceased operations at its Louisville hub, known as Worldport, which manages a staggering 300 flights daily and sorts over 400,000 packages an hour. Passenger flights at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport resumed, but only one runway was open initially.
Incidents like this remind us of the importance of strict safety measures in aviation. Understanding and improving maintenance practices are crucial. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), thorough inspections and strict adherence to maintenance schedules are essential in preventing future tragedies. As investigations continue, it’s important for both airlines and regulatory bodies to learn from this unfortunate event and ensure the safety of air travel.
