UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Louisville Killing 14, FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet for Safety Inspections

A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 5, 2025.

“"We pray that there are no more victims," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg says”

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The crash occurred after a fire on the left wing caused the left engine and pylon to detach.

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Following the detachment, the aircraft struck nearby businesses, resulting in a mass-casualty event.

In response, the FAA issued an emergency order grounding all MD-11 aircraft pending inspections.

Both UPS and FedEx voluntarily suspended their MD-11 operations during this period.

Boeing, which owns the McDonnell Douglas program, supported the operational pause.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened a full investigation into the causes of the accident.

Multiple news outlets reported the core sequence of events—wing fire, engine separation, and crash—while highlighting the federal response and industry-wide grounding and inspections.

Officials and local media place the death toll at 14, with multiple sources detailing that three crew members died along with numerous people on the ground near impacted businesses.

ABC reports the tally as 11 on the ground and three crew, while local outlets tracked the evolving count—from 13 honored at a vigil to a later confirmation of 14—alongside early identifications and family tributes to victims.

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Reports consistently note the crash’s impact on nearby structures and businesses, underscoring how casualties extended beyond the aircraft itself.

Regulators and operators responded swiftly to safety concerns involving the MD-11 aircraft.

“This photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board shows UPS plane crash scene on Thursday, Nov”

Associated Press

The FAA grounded MD-11 aircraft for safety inspections, citing risks related to engine detachment.

The FAA is expected to require thorough engine and pylon checks before allowing any return to service.

UPS and FedEx both grounded their MD-11 fleets as a precautionary measure.

Boeing supported a pause in operations to conduct additional engineering analysis.

CBC reported that UPS has 26 MD-11s, which is about nine percent of its fleet, highlighting the operational impact of the grounding.

Investigators are focused on the sequence beginning with a left-wing fire and left engine separation.

AP reports a cockpit alarm bell likely indicating an engine fire sounded during takeoff, though officials have not determined a cause.

CBC

The NTSB continues to examine evidence, including maintenance records and on-scene debris, with cockpit voice recordings expected in months.

Technical coverage consistently mentions the engine and pylon detachment.

AP adds historical context: the MD-11 has been out of production since 2000 and the crashed aircraft was built in 1991.

Beyond the immediate aviation response, the community impact is stark.

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A candlelight vigil drew about 200 people as faith groups brought handmade crosses and UPS workers gathered in solidarity.

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Local officials announced additional victims as the toll mounted.

UPS publicly expressed sorrow and support for employees and the community.

Local reporting names victims and notes business losses, including two Grade A Auto Parts employees among the dead.

Multiple outlets describe damage to a UPS warehouse and nearby businesses as flames spread from the crash.