The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has published its preliminary report on the accident that occurred on November 4, 2025, involving UPS flight 2976, a Boeing MD-11F, in Louisville, Kentucky. The cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving 14 dead — three crew members and 11 people on the ground.
Engine and pylon separated from the wing after rotation
According to the agency, both taxi and takeoff roll were normal until aircraft rotation. Airport surveillance footage showed that the left engine (No. 1) and its pylon separated from the wing just seconds after the aircraft raised its nose.
During the separation, the engine caught fire as it passed over the fuselage before falling to the ground. Another intense fire ignited in the area where the pylon attaches to the wing, remaining active until the aircraft’s final impact.
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Aircraft climbed only 30 feet before losing lift
Preliminary flight data recorder (FDR) information indicates that the MD-11F managed to climb, but did not exceed 30 feet (approx. 9 meters) of altitude. FAA-provided ADS-B data show the last recorded point at 481 feet mean sea level, equivalent to 100 feet above ground level.
After clearing the blast fence at the end of runway 17R, the aircraft lost altitude: the left main landing gear struck the roof of a UPS Supply Chain Solutions warehouse. The cargo plane then hit a storage yard and two other buildings, including an oil recycling facility, and was almost completely consumed by fire.
NTSB identifies fatigue cracks in critical component
After initial cleaning of the fractured surfaces, investigators identified evidence of fatigue cracks in the aft mount lug of the left pylon — one of the main attachment points connecting the engine to the wing.
The cracks were present on both the internal and external surfaces, precisely at the point where the lug hole meets the front face of the component. Areas of overload fracture were also observed, suggesting a progressive failure that developed into a structural collapse.
NTSB issues the preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the Nov. 4 crash of a UPS Boeing MD-11F airplane in Louisville, Kentucky. Download the report PDF: https://t.co/WS0Q629CUz pic.twitter.com/7pORlou2av
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) November 20, 2025
Investigation continues
The NTSB stresses that the report is preliminary and does not present conclusions. Engineering analysis, structural fatigue study, aircraft performance assessment, and maintenance history investigation will continue over the coming months until the final report is completed.
Source and images: NTSB Newsroom | X @NTSB_Newsroom. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
