An aviation geek at heart, Channing enjoys the thrill of covering some of the industry’s top headlines. With nearly a decade of professional experience, his longtime passion for traveling and airplanes brings a unique approach to his reporting. Channing holds a degree in broadcast journalism and spends some time freelancing in local news. US West Coast-based.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
A McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operated by UPS Airlines crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Flight data suggests the aircraft, bound for Honolulu, made impact south of the airfield at around 17:13 (EST).
Several local agencies have reportedly responded to the situation, as a large cloud of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. Injuries are also being reported, according to local police.
Aircraft On Fire
Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft, registered as N259UP, was operating flight 2976. It departed from Runway 17R at approximately 17:12. A passenger on another flight caught the ordeal on camera, showing the aircraft on fire as it struggled to gain altitude. Despite flight data indicating the aircraft reached 175 feet, the footage shows the freighter never lifted off the runway before crashing and exploding, sending a large cloud of flames and smoke into the sky.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time as officials investigate. It is also unclear where the fire might have originated from. According to Louisville local affiliate WDRB, police and fire crews received a call about a plane crash near SDF just after 17:00.
Simple Flying is working to learn more details of the incident.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.