Timeline: Flight Data Depicts UPS Cargo Jet’s Final Minutes Before Fatal KY Crash
As of Thursday morning, at least 13 people have died following a crash at Louisville’s airport. The UPS cargo plane crash, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon, killed at least 13 and injured several others. The flight was a regularly scheduled delivery operated by UPS to Honolulu three times a week, according to public aviation data.
The wide-body, tri-engine McDonnell Douglas MD-11F arrived from Baltimore Tuesday morning and was set to depart Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at 3 p.m., as recorded by Flightradar24.com. However, the jet did not start moving down the runway until about 5:08 p.m., according to the tracking data.
The reason behind the two-hour delay remains unknown. Videos from the crash show the plane speeding along the airport’s longest runway with its No. 1 left wing engine engulfed in flames. Just seconds after lifting off, climbing only about 175 feet, the aircraft veered toward an industrial park south of the airport, where it struck buildings and exploded.
Final Moments of the Flight
- The plane was loaded with approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel.
- After impact, the aircraft ignited a large fire.
- First responders quickly arrived to contain the blaze.
"This story was originally published November 5, 2025 1:14 PM."
Flight Data Summary
Flight tracking data confirm the plane’s delayed departure, brief ascent, and subsequent crash near the airport’s perimeter. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Author’s summary: The UPS cargo jet’s crash in Louisville, caused during a delayed takeoff with one engine on fire, resulted in 13 deaths and highlights critical aviation safety challenges.