Deadly UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Leaves Kentucky in Mourning
November 5, 2025
What happened
The freighter, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 bound for Honolulu, crashed at about 5:15 p.m. local time after departing the runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said three crew members were aboard. Witness video and local television footage showed flames trailing from a wing as the aircraft climbed only briefly before descending rapidly and striking ground near businesses located just beyond the airport perimeter.
Casualties and local impact
Flames from the crash ignited multiple ground fires affecting a recycling facility and an auto parts shop; officials confirmed some of the fatalities occurred on the ground. Eleven people were taken to local hospitals with injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation. City and state leaders said victim identities will be released by authorities once families are notified.
Emergency response and public safety
First responders from across the Louisville region—including fire, police and emergency medical units—rushed to the scene. Local officials issued a shelter-in-place order for areas within five miles of the airport, later extending the restriction north to the Ohio River while the blaze remained active. The airport suspended departing flights and closed the airfield as crews worked to secure the area and remove hazards.
Preliminary flight data and aircraft history
Flight-tracking data showed the MD-11 climbed briefly to only 175 feet and reached a speed of about 184 knots before a sharp descent. FAA records indicate the aircraft was 34 years old and had operated for UPS since 2006. Earlier on the same day the plane completed a run to Baltimore before returning to Louisville, where it prepared for the transpacific leg to Honolulu.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the official investigation, joined by the FAA, UPS and Boeing, which has offered technical support. Investigators will examine maintenance records, recorded flight data, eyewitness video and wreckage to determine whether mechanical failure, fire on board, human factors or other causes contributed to the crash. NTSB preliminary updates are expected in the coming days, though a full probe could take months.
Community reaction
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and Governor Beshear urged residents to avoid the area and to report any debris using official channels. Officials cautioned members of the public not to touch or move wreckage because it may be hazardous and is part of the investigation. Social media footage captured the moment of impact and the large plume of smoke that followed, leaving neighborhoods in shock.
What to watch for next
- Official NTSB safety briefings and an initial factual release.
- Identifications and notifications of victims by local authorities.
- Technical statements from UPS and Boeing regarding maintenance records and possible contributing factors.
- Airfield and community recovery — updates about road reopenings and environmental monitoring for any contamination or toxic smoke concerns.
Our team will continue to monitor official updates from the NTSB, FAA and local authorities and will update this article as new, verified information becomes available.