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Engine Detaches Mid-Takeoff in Deadly UPS Cargo Plane Crash
Newly released photos from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) show the engine of a UPS cargo plane detaching from its wing and bursting into flames during takeoff, leading to a crash that killed 14 and injured 23 on November 4.
The frame-by-frame images, part of the NTSB's preliminary report, depict the engine breaking free and striking the fuselage as the aircraft lifted off from Louisville, Kentucky, en route to Hawaii. The plane never climbed higher than 30 feet (9.1 meters) before parts of it struck the roof of a nearby UPS warehouse.
Mechanical Failures and Missed Inspections
Investigators identified fatigue cracks and overstress failures around the left-wing engine mount, along with a fractured bearing securing the connection. The aircraft had logged 92,992 flight hours and 21,043 takeoff-and-landing cycles at the time of the crash.
A critical inspection of the engine mounts-scheduled after 29,200 cycles-had not been completed, according to aircraft records. The plane was carrying tens of thousands of gallons of fuel, which ignited upon impact, creating what one local official described as a scene where it appeared to be "raining oil."
Aftermath and Emergency Response
The crash prompted a five-mile shelter-in-place order around Louisville International Airport due to explosion risks and air pollution concerns. Among the 14 fatalities, three were crew members; the remaining 11 were individuals on the ground. An additional 23 people were injured.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the Kentucky National Guard for assistance. The NTSB continues its investigation, including analysis of the recovered cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder (commonly called the "black box"), which were transported to a secure facility.
Next Steps
Officials have not yet determined the precise cause of the mechanical failure but are examining maintenance logs and structural integrity. A final report is expected in the coming months.
