UPS Plane’s Engine Detached Right After Take Off and Just Before Fiery Crash That Killed 11: NTSB

Authorities are uncovering new information about the devastating UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport that killed at least 11 people.

The MD-11-F aircraft was en route from Louisville to Honolulu when it went down around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman, who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday.

A preliminary investigation found that three people were aboard the plane when “a large plume of fire” appeared near the left wing during the “takeoff roll,” Inman explained. The plane managed to lift off and clear the runway fence before crashing into several buildings beyond the airport grounds.

Airport security footage reportedly captured the left engine separating from the wing during takeoff. Photos from the crash site indicate that the engine found nearby likely came from the plane’s left side.

The resulting fire stretched nearly half a mile, Inman said. Despite the intensity of the blaze, the aircraft’s black box survived. Although it was exposed to heat, officials believe they’ll be able to recover valuable data from it once it can be accessed in the coming days.

The NTSB plans to remain on-site for at least a week to determine the cause of the crash, assess contributing factors, and develop safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents. Officials have asked anyone who finds debris from the aircraft to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed that 11 people had died, noting that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue. During the briefing, Inman extended his condolences to the victims’ families and the local community.

“It is a tough day for Louisville, for Kentucky,” said Inman, who is from the state. “We know it is tearing at the community, and we are deeply sorry.”