A UPS cargo plane experienced a component separation-specifically, โthe engine-prior to a fatal crash and subsequent explosion โnear Louisville, Kentucky, โคon November 6,โค 2025, at approximately 00:54:13 EST. The incident resulted in at โleastโ 12 confirmed fatalities, including both crew โmembers aboard the aircraft and individuals on the ground.
The crash, occurring โduring a nighttime approach toโฃ louisville Muhammad Ali Internationalโค Airport, raises immediate questions aboutโ aviation safety protocols and maintenance procedures for cargo carriers. investigations are underway byโ the National transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) โขto determine the precise cause of the engine detachment and the sequence of events leading to the disaster. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has โฃdeclaredโ a state of emergency for the affected areas, mobilizing stateโ resources to assist โwith recovery effortsโฃ and support impacted โfamilies.
The UPS flight, originating from Louisville, crashedโ in a field near the โairport during its return approach. Preliminary reports indicate the engine separated from the Boeing 767 aircraft before the plane impacted the ground, โtriggering a large fire and explosion. Louisville Metro Emergency Services confirmed the deaths and reported no โขimmediate threat to surroundingโ residential areas, though debris scattered acrossโ a wide radius.
UPS has confirmed the โฃtwo โcrew members-identified as Pablo Rojas and another pilot whose name has not yet been released-were the only individuals on board. The company has expressed its deepest condolences to โฃthe families of thoseโค lost and pledged full cooperationโข with the ongoing investigations. UPS โis a major employer in the Louisville area, and theโ incident has deeply impacted โthe local community.
This event echoes concerns raised after similar aviation incidents involving engine failures, prompting renewed scrutiny โฃof engine maintenance schedules and inspection protocols across the industry.The NTSB investigation will focus on โthe โคengine’s maintenance history, potential manufacturing defects, and any contributing factors related to โขweather conditions or operational procedures. Theโ findings will likelyโค lead to recommendations โaimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.