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- Updated: November 5, 2025
- UPS flight 2976 crashed on takeoff from Louisville
- Flight 2976 was operated by an MD-11(F) registered N259UP
- The flight was operating from Louisville to Honolulu
A UPS Airlines MD-11(F) crashed on takeoff from Louisville International Airport (SDF). Based on initial visual evidence from the scene, the aircraft suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure just prior to becoming airborne from Runway 17R at about 22:13 UTC (17:13 local time).
The aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter causing a massive fire engulfing multiple structures and cutting power to an area south of the airport. There were three crew members aboard the MD-11. We do not yet know the number of casualties onboard or on the ground.
UPS flight 2976 began its takeoff role on Runway 17R at approximately 22:12:24 UTC. The last ADS-B position of 38.14824, -85.73497 from the aircraft was received at 22:13:30Z.275 UTC. The highest recorded ground speed received was 186 knots.
The MD-11(F) burns approximately 7,500 kg of fuel per hour. Including reserve fuel, the trip from Louisville to Honolulu would require approximately 75 tonnes of fuel in total.
UPS flight 2976 was operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-11(F) registered N259UP. The aircraft was 34 years old and first delivered to Thai Airways International in 1991 for passenger service. It was converted to freighter configuration in 2006 and began service with UPS that same year. The aircraft is powered by three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F engines.
- Published: November 5, 2025
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