What We Know: UPS MD-11 Accident

Federal teams are on the scene after the cargo jet went down shortly after takeoff Tuesday from Louisville, Kentucky.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at 04:26 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Flames and smoke rise after a UPS cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, November 4, in Louisville, Kentucky. [Credit: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy/via X]

Key Takeaways:

A UPS MD-11 cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in at least nine fatalities and 15 injuries, with more people reported missing.
Federal investigators (NTSB and FAA) are on the scene, having recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to aid in the investigation.
Video evidence suggests the aircraft experienced a left engine fire and detachment immediately after takeoff, leading to its crash into an industrial complex near the airport.

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Federal investigators and recovery teams are on the ground in Louisville, Kentucky, searching for both survivors and victims in the crash of a UPS MD-11 on Tuesday night.

According to preliminary reports, as of Wednesday afternoon, authorities say at least nine people were killed and 15 injured when the cargo jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (KSDF).