UPS plane crashes near Louisville International Airport: Here’s what we know

A UPS cargo plane crashed Tuesday evening near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, injuring several people, according to local authorities.

Officials warn that the number of casualties could rise as rescue operations continue. The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed the crash in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“LMPD and multiple other agencies are responding to reports of a plan crash near Fern Valley and Grade Lane. Grade lane will be closed indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden. Injuries reported.”

Police, firefighters, and emergency response teams remain on the scene, and updates are being shared in real time through official channels.

According to early reports, the aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operated by UPS. The plane had just taken off from Louisville and was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it went down shortly after departure.

What caused the Louisville plane crash?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident in a statement released Tuesday evening:

“UPS Flight 2976 crashed at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 4, after taking off from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will conduct the investigation. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates. This information is preliminary and subject to change.”

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released details about the number of crew members on board or the extent of the injuries.

UPS said it is cooperating fully with investigators and will share additional information once next of kin have been notified. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the crash area as emergency teams continue search and recovery efforts.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”

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