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. Flight data suggests the aircraft, bound for Honolulu, made impact south of the airfield at around 17:13 EST.
Three crew members were onboard the aircraft. Several local agencies responded to the situation, as large clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky. The crash triggered a massive explosion, prompting the airport to shut down.
Explosion Prompts Shelter-In-Place Order
Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft, registered as N259UP, was operating flight 2976. It departed from Runway 17R at approximately 17:12. An onlooker caught the ordeal on camera from the airfield, showing the aircraft on fire as it struggled to gain altitude. Data indicates the MD-11 reached a speed of 211 miles per hour (184 knots), but the footage shows it never lifted off the runway. It subsequently crashed and exploded, sending a large cloud of flames and smoke upwards.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time as officials investigate. It is also unclear when or where the fire originated, although the video suggests the aircraft’s left engine was affected. The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 15:00 but was delayed over two hours for unknown reasons.
According to Louisville local news station WDRB, police and fire crews received a call about a plane crash near SDF just after 17:00. Due to the explosion, a shelter-in-place order was reportedly issued just after 17:30, concerning all areas within five miles of the airport. About 30 minutes later, the order was expanded to include all surrounding areas north of the airport, extending to the Ohio River.
A UPS spokesperson confirmed the crash in a statement to Simple Flying on Tuesday.
“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.”
NTSB To Investigate
UPS confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct the probe into the crash and will be the “primary source of information about the official investigation.” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also told Simple Flying that it will partner with the NTSB.
UPDATE: 2025/11/04 17:48 PST BY CHANNING REID
Boeing released a statement, saying it will support UPS and the NTSB.
“We are following the news out of Louisville regarding UPS Flight 2976. Our concern is for the safety and well-being of all those affected. We stand ready to support our customer and have offered technical assistance to the NTSB.”
Aerial footage from CBS local affiliate WLKY showed debris from the aircraft, including what appeared to be an engine cowling, off the side of the runway. The local outlet’s footage also captured significant damage to a nearby building. The massive fire and large plumes of smoke likely resulted from the plane carrying full tanks of fuel. The journey from Louisville to Honolulu covers more than 4,300 miles and takes nearly nine hours. The airfield was closed, and security screenings at the TSA checkpoints were temporarily suspended.
“Passengers should closely monitor their flight status via their airline’s website or mobile app,” airport officials explained.
As of 19:21 EST, there were 19 delays and 25 cancellations reported at SDF, according to FlightAware.
About The Aircraft
N259UP is a 34-year-old airframe, according to ch-aviation. It was ordered by Thai Airways in 1988 and was delivered to the carrier in 1991. After 15 years of passenger operations, the aircraft was converted and transferred to UPS in 2006. It has been flown by the airline ever since.
As a staple of the cargo carrier’s global operations, N259UP primarily frequented SDF, given the airport is UPS’ main base. Prior to operating flight 2976, the aircraft arrived at SDF on Tuesday morning as flight 2215 from Baltimore. Other destinations the aircraft visited within the last week include Ontario, Portland, Tampa, Miami, Oakland, Newark, Dallas, and Seattle.
Following flight 2976, it is believed that N259UP was scheduled to operate flight 5967 from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Ontario International Airport (ONT). The trijet was projected to be retired from operations at some point this month, ch-aviation data shows.