UPS names 3 pilots killed in Louisville cargo plane crash that left at least 12 people dead
Share this @internewscast.com

On Thursday, UPS revealed the identities of the flight crew members who tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and left nearly a dozen more injured.

The three UPS pilots who perished on Flight 2976 were named as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, as confirmed by Nando Cesarone, the executive vice president of UPS Airlines.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving Flight 2976,” Cesarone expressed in a heartfelt statement shared on X. “Our thoughts are with every member of the UPS family affected by this tragedy, as well as the Louisville community. Our focus is on providing the support and resources needed during this difficult time.”

The ill-fated UPS cargo plane, which was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel and was en route to Hawaii, crashed into the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building shortly after its 5:15 p.m. ET departure from SDF, according to Governor Andy Beshear.

J. Todd Inman

During a news conference at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, J. Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board addressed questions from reporters about the incident.

At the time of the crash, the oil recycling facility housed 29 above-ground storage tanks, containing around 226,000 gallons of used motor oil and 37,000 gallons of an oil-water-antifreeze mixture, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA on-scene coordinators confirmed several of the large, above-ground storage tanks at Kentucky Petroleum Recycling broke open and fell over. The facility remains closed while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates.

Preliminary flight data indicates the aircraft’s last recorded elevation was 475 feet, and it was traveling at 183 knots at the time of the crash, according to NTSB officials. The EPA confirmed there was no hazardous material cargo onboard the aircraft.

UPS jets are parked at the Worldport package sorting complex at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.

UPS jets are parked at the Worldport package sorting complex at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Thursday, in Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

At least 12 people are dead, including the three crew members onboard and a young child, and 11 others on the ground were injured, Beshear said. Others are still unaccounted for.

“This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family, and as our CEO, Carol Tomé reminded us: ‘United, we are strong,’” Cesarone wrote. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleagues, and to the loved ones of those in the Louisville community.”

Though the cause of the crash has not yet been released, NTSB officials said Wednesday the left engine detached from the plane and was found on the airfield.

On Thursday, the NTSB confirmed data was successfully recovered from the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly known as the “black box,” at a Washington, D.C. lab.

NTSB officials on Thursday said the plane was in San Antonio, Texas, for six weeks prior to the crash, and that it may have been used as a replacement shortly before take-off due to maintenance issues with the originally scheduled aircraft.

The ATC tower is seen while smoke rises from the crash site of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.

The ATC tower is seen while smoke rises from the crash site of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Wednesday, in Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Jon Cherry)

The EPA is working closely with state and local agencies, along with UPS, to clean up oil released into nearby streams that flow into the Salt and Ohio rivers.

EPA officials said the agency will remain on site to ensure clean air, land and water for nearby residents.

The NTSB confirmed the FBI is assisting with the investigation “under a longstanding Interagency agreement.”

The Louisville airport is home to UPS Worldport, a global hub for the shipping company’s air cargo operations and its largest package-handling facility worldwide.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE in Chicago: Federal judge issues injunction against immigration agents' use of force in Chicago area

Federal Judge Halts Aggressive ICE Tactics in Chicago: A Major Win for Immigrant Rights

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the use of…
Mexican President Sheinbaum to press charges after man gropes her on walk

Mexican President Sheinbaum Pursues Legal Action Following Public Groping Incident

In a bold move for women’s safety, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has…
ICE says it took down group linked to violent home invasions in Texas; video shows victim chased, attacked

ICE Dismantles Texas Home Invasion Ring: Shocking Video Reveals Terrifying Attacks

EXCLUSIVE FROM FOX: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the apprehension…
As Trump admin pushes Gaza peace plan, history shows UN peacekeeping’s mixed record

Trump’s Bold Gaza Peace Initiative: Lessons from UN Peacekeeping’s Complex Legacy

The United States’ ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, unveiled a…
Walking for Hope: Jacksonville unites to end Alzheimer’s this Sunday

Jacksonville Rallies Together: Join the ‘Walk for Hope’ to Combat Alzheimer’s This Sunday

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions globally. On Sunday, November 9, Jacksonville will come…
Illinois 4th Congressional District Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García discusses decision to not run for reelection, anoint chief of staff

Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García Steps Down: The Surprising Decision and His Successor in Illinois’ 4th District

CHICAGO (WLS) — In an exclusive conversation with ABC7 Chicago, Representative Jesús…
Crews are working to fix Alaska Native villages devastated by flooding. But will residents return?

Alaska Native Villages Face Uncertain Future as Crews Tackle Flood Damage: Will Residents Rebuild?

KWIGILLINGOK, Alaska (AP) — As the last evacuees left the village of…
Israel says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Israel Launches Strikes on Hezbollah Positions in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Thursday that they have commenced…
Nancy Pelosi retires: California leaders, politicians express gratitude for former speaker's historic career

California Politicians Celebrate Nancy Pelosi’s Trailblazing Career as She Announces Retirement

In a significant political development, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed on…
Socialist Hypocrite Mamdani Jets to Luxury Puerto Rico Resort

Exposing the Double Standards: Socialist Mamdani’s Lavish Puerto Rico Getaway

It’s unfortunate that many young people today lack a deep understanding of…
Missing teen held hostage in Bronx apartment by alleged rapist rescued, cops search for more victims

Bronx Rescue: Missing Teen Freed from Alleged Rapist’s Captivity as Police Hunt for Additional Victims

A 15-year-old girl from New Jersey, reported missing by her family, was…
Florida AG files lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, claims abortion drugs are 'misrepresented'

Florida Attorney General Sues Planned Parenthood Over Alleged Misrepresentation of Abortion Medications

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier declared legal…