By now everyone is aware of the tragedy that struck Louisville, Kentucky yesterday afternoon... Having talked with some ARFF personnel that have been involved in the accident, it seems difficult to describe the immensity and complexity of destruction on scene.
I would respectfully ask that you all take a moment to say a prayer for the 3 crew members lost in the crash, their families and anyone affected on the ground.
I would also ask you to say a prayer for the first responders and those who continue to work at the scene.
Be safe out there!
Tom
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Live updates: JCPS to conduct tests at buildings near UPS plane crash
Caroline Neal and Leo Bertucci - Louisville Courier Journal
Emergency officials from multiple agencies are set
to begin a lengthy investigation into a fiery UPS plane crash at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Nov. 4 that left at least nine people dead.
Several fire departments and emergency agencies from around the Louisville metro area responded to the crash at the airport around 5:15 p.m. A plume of smoke was visible for miles at the site of the crash, and shelter-in-place orders that at one point stretched across the Ohio River into Southern Indiana were put into place throughout the evening out of an abundance of caution as strong odors and fumes were reported in the area.
The order also forced Jefferson County Public Schools to cancel classes for Nov. 5. Officials said air and water quality at schools around the crash site will be monitored in the coming days.
Here's the latest on what we know about the crash:
9:30 a.m.: JCPS conducting air, water quality tests at buildings near crash site
Jefferson County Public Schools teams are conducting air and water quality tests at school buildings Nov. 5 while classrooms are closed due to yesterday's UPS cargo plane crash, district officials said in a statement.
"We are doing these checks out of an abundance of caution, as the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” the statement read.
In the update, school officials also advised families in need of food assistance to contact Dare to Care Food Bank. A list of Louisville-area Dare to Care sites can be found here.
When schools reopen, students will have access to mental health professionals on campus.
“We know situations like what happened last night impact our students in different ways,” school officials said. “Every JCPS school has a mental health team that is available to talk with students about how they are feeling.”
Updates on the status of schools for Nov. 6 are expected to be delivered via text, email, JCPS' social media pages, the JCPS app and the district’s website.
9:15 a.m.: Muhammad Ali Center free for JCPS students, guardians
Admission into the Muhammad Ali Center in
downtown Louisville is free Nov. 5 for JCPS students, and their accompanying parents and guardians, spokesperson Dustin Vogt said in a statement.
JCPS schools are closed Nov. 5 due to the UPS cargo plane crash near Muhammad Ali International Airport yesterday.
"We continue to send our hearts and condolences out to all crewmembers, families, businesses and everyone impacted by yesterday's tragedy," Ali Center officials said in an official statement.
9 a.m.: SDF reopened, but some taxiways are closed
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, SDF has reopened, though “multiple taxiways remain closed.”
The FAA and NTSB are on the scene investigating. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates. The FAA will coordinate with the UPS team, FAA officials said.
To check the status of the airport, visit https://nasstatus.faa.gov/.
8:40 a.m.: Crash leaves at least nine dead
In a post on X, Beshear said the number of fatalities has now risen to at least nine, “with the possibility of more.”
“Right now, these families need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time,” he said.
8 a.m.: UPS halts some operations at UPS Worldport
UPS halted Second Day Air sort operations at its UPS Worldport facility, according to a Nov. 5 statement from the company.
“Hub and Ramp employees on the Second Day Air sort should not report to work,” spokesperson Jim Mayer said.
The plane crash, which occurred around 5:20 p.m. Nov. 4, is the deadliest in UPS Airlines history.
“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved,” the company wrote in a statement. “UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”
7:30 a.m.: 16 still unaccounted for
According to a post on X from Gov. Andy Beshear, 16 people are still unaccounted for after a “significant search and rescue mission” last night. Rescue efforts are continuing.
“This is going to be a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash. As of this morning we still have at least 7 fatalities – though sadly we believe that number will grow,” Beshear said.
Greenberg said in a post on X that the search is expected to “take a while” as it covers a “very large area.” Over 200 first responders were at the scene last night, he said.
7:20 a.m.: Shelter in place reduced again
As of 6:30 a.m., the shelter in place order has been
reduced to a quarter-mile radius surrounding the crash site, according to a post on X from Louisville Metro Emergency Services.
Following the crash, the shelter in place extended from the airport northward to the Ohio River around 6 p.m. Nov. 4, and areas south of Outer Loop were later cleared around 7:15 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Schools are closed Nov. 5 “due to the necessary shelter-in-place order issued by the city,” spokesperson Carolyn Callahan said in a statement. “This will operate like a snow day, with no online instruction,” Callahan said.
7 a.m.: SDF expected to be open, though delays, cancellations anticipated
In a Nov. 4 statement, spokesperson Natalie Chaudoin said SDF, the Louisville airport, is “expected to be available for passenger and cargo operations” on Nov. 5. Delays and cancellations are still likely, and travelers who are scheduled to depart from or arrive at the airport should monitor their flight status, she said.
In a post on X, Mayor Craig Greenberg said one runway at SDF has reopened.
According to FlyLouisville’s website, some flights departing from SDF are delayed, with flights from the evening of Nov. 4 now scheduled throughout the morning. Over 10 flights scheduled to depart from SDF have been canceled. No flights arriving at SDF have been canceled.
6 a.m.: Death toll stands at 7, NTSB to lead investigation
A lengthy investigation is expected to begin Nov. 5 as local and federal officials begin trying to piece together what led to a "catastrophic" crash of a UPS transport plane at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board were expected to arrive to lead the investigation into the crash, which left at least seven people dead. Both Greenberg and Gov. Andy Beshear said they expect the number to rise in the coming days.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O'Neill described the crash as an "incredible, large-scale mass-casualty incident" and said crews were still working to contain the fire roughly five hours after the initial incident. Plumes of smoke from the blaze prompted shelter-in-place orders for large portions of central Louisville and into Southern Indiana, but was reduced to a one-mile radius around the crash site shortly before 10:30 p.m.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid the area if possible and not to touch any debris they might find over the next several days.
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/11/05/ups-plane-crash-louisville-updates-death-toll-injuries/87097816007/
'Catastrophic' | Gov. Beshear expects death toll to rise after UPS plane crash
The horrific crash near Louisville SDF killed at least seven people and injured 11 others. Those numbers are expected to grow.
Author: CJ Daniels
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed near
the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport late Tuesday afternoon, killing at least seven people and injuring 11 others, with two of them in critical condition.
Gov. Andy Beshear called the incident “catastrophic” and urged residents to stay away from the area as emergency crews continue to respond.
The MD-11 aircraft was enroute to Honolulu went down around 5:15 p.m., sending a massive plume of smoke into the sky visible across Louisville and southern Indiana.
Shelter-in-place alerts were issued for areas north of Outer Loop and across the river into Jeffersonville, Indiana as firefighters battled intense flames. That order has since been reduced to a one-mile radius around the airport.
Beshear traveled to Louisville shortly after receiving word of the crash and joined with city and state officials during a media briefing.
“Folks this is a catastrophic event and there are a lot of people hurting who need our love and support,” said Gov. Beshear. “Let’s please pray for all those affected, and for the dedicated first responders who will be working around the clock to help keep our community safe. Remember: We are in this together, Kentucky.”
Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft struck an
area just southeast of the airport. Two businesses – Kentucky Petroleum and Grade A Auto Parts were directly affected.
“We are seeking more information, but it looks like they [Kentucky Petroleum Recycling] were hit pretty directly,” Beshear said. “Grade A Auto Parts has accounted for all but two of their employees, but we do not yet know if there were customers or other individuals on site at the time.”
The governor cautioned that it could take time to determine the full number of casualties, given the hazardous nature of the facilities.
“Because of the nature of these facilities, it may be some time before we can account for everyone or know that no one else was on the grounds,” he said.
Louisville Emergency Services Executive Director Jody Meiman said the city remains in the first stage of a three-phase emergency response.
“We’re still in the life-safety step in this process,” Meiman explained. “We’re going door-to-door in the area to make sure every business, every facility, and the few private residences nearby are accounted for and evacuated.”
Three UPS crew members were aboard the plane when it went down. Officials have not yet released their conditions. UPS confirmed it is cooperating with investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, who are expected to arrive on scene overnight.
Nearby, Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant briefly lost power following the crash but was not otherwise impacted, the company said.
Beshear urged the public to avoid the area entirely.
“Do not go to the crash site,” he warned. “You will put people in danger, and you will put yourself in danger. There may be people that still need to be rescued. There are still dangerous things that are flammable and potentially explosive at the site.”
Beshear made it clear he was not going to speculate on the cause of the crash, saying that was for NTSB investigators to determine.
He added that prayer is a powerful tool in times like this and recalled the tornado tragedy in Mayfield, Kentucky in 2024.
"I would tell you after the tornado in Mayfield I was standing outside of a factory where I was sure 100 people were dead. We only ended up losing 13 and that’s a lot of people. Pray. It works. It helps. Let’s pray the number of Kentuckians or any other folks that we’ve lost stays as low as possible.”
The NTSB is expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday to begin their investigation.
Hawai'i State House of Representatives members Darius Kila and Tyson Miyake released a statement following the tragedy.
"We extend our deepest condolences and sincere aloha to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and to those who were injured, in the tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976. It is our understanding that the plane was headed to Honolulu.
As the Chair and Vice Chair of the House Committee on Transportation, we remain committed to working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and our state partners to ensure the continued safety of air transportation and uphold the highest standards of airline regulation."
Madison County Sheriff's Department confirms deadly plane crash
By: WRTV Staff
MADISON COUNTY — The pilot of a single-
occupant plane has died in a crash in Madison County on Tuesday afternoon. The Madison County Coroner confirmed with WRTV that the crash involved a single-engine plane.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department confirmed they are on the scene of the deadly crash that happened at 4261 N. CR 100W, just north of Anderson, around 12:30 p.m.
Initial information indicates the plane was traveling from Rensselaer to Anderson.
Deputies found the plane, on fire, had struck a tree.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department said it appears the plane briefly touched down multiple times in a nearby field before striking the tree at ground level.
Officials said Anderson Airport Tower had communication with the pilot shortly before the crash, but there was no indication of any trouble.
The FAA and NTSB have been notified of the crash, and the area is being secured for their investigation.
https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/madison-county-sheriffs-department-confirms-deadly-plane-crash
NTSB Prelim: Cirrus Design Corp SR22
While Descending Toward ASN, He Advanced The Throttle, But The Engine Did Not Respond
Location: Talladega, AL Accident Number: ERA26LA001
Date & Time: October 2, 2025, 11:26 Local Registration: N812SE
Aircraft: Cirrus Design Corp SR22 Injuries: 1 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On October 2, 2025, at 1126 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, N812SE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Talladega, Alabama. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries, and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The flight originated from Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham, Alabama, and was destined for Talladega Municipal Airport (ASN), Talladega, Alabama. According to the pilot, after departure he climbed to 3,500 ft., mean sea level (msl). While descending toward ASN, he advanced the throttle, but the engine did not respond. He attempted to restore power; however, engine power did not increase. The pilot reported that the airplane’s altitude was below the minimum required for Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) deployment, so he configured the airplane for a glide and performed a forced landing to an open field about 7 nautical miles west of ASN. During the landing roll, the airplane struck an agricultural irrigation pivot, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and right engine cowling.
The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
31 Years ago today: On 5 November 1994 Servicios Aéreos Amazonicos flight 2079, a Yakovlev Yak-40, overran the runway on landing at Saposoa Airport, Peru, killing 6 occupants; 25 survived the accident.
| Date: | Saturday 5 November 1994 |
| Time: | |
| Type: | Yakovlev Yak-40 |
| Owner/operator: | Servicios Aéreos Amazonicos |
| Registration: | OB-1569 |
| MSN: | 9141020 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1972 |
| Engine model: | Ivchenko AI-25 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 31 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed, written off |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Saposoa Airport (SQU) - Peru |
| Phase: | Landing |
| Nature: | Passenger - Scheduled |
| Departure airport: | Trujillo Airport (TRU/SPRU) |
| Destination airport: | Saposoa Airport (SQU/SPOA) |
| Investigating agency: | DGAT Peru |
| Confidence Rating: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Narrative:
Servicios Aéreos Amazonicos flight 2079, a Yakovlev Yak-40, overran the runway on landing at Saposoa Airport, Peru, killing 6 occupants; 25 survived the accident.
The Yakovlev Yak-40 overran the runway, fell into the bed of the Saposoa River and broke up.
The Yak-40 was new to the fleet of Servicios Aéreos Amazonicos and a Ukrainian instructor pilot was in the cockpit along with a copilot and an observer pilot of the airline.
The aircraft operated on a domestic flight from Trujillo to Saposoa. Weather at the destination was poor due to rain in the area. On final approach the crew lost sight of the runway. The copilot suggest the initiate a go around, but the captain continued the approach at very low altitude. Noticing the treetops, the copilot advanced the throttles to go around, but the captain intervened and retarded the throttles. The aircraft touched down about half way down the runway on the left-hand edge.
The pilot used the thrust reverser and applied the brakes, but these were not effective on the wet runway. The aircraft overran the runway and ended up in the river.
Causes:
Main: Pilot error by not complying with visual flight rules and procedures.
Contributing
- Poor weather in the area of the airport
- Lack of crew coordination by not briefing before landing
