UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport
At least three people are dead and 11 injured as investigation begins.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — November 4, 2025 — A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Officials warn the death toll could rise as recovery and investigation efforts continue.
A Violent Impact and Massive Fire
The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time as the aircraft was departing for Honolulu, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Witnesses and video footage showed the plane trailing flames from one wing before erupting into a fireball as it struck the ground.
Several buildings in an industrial area just beyond the airport’s runway were engulfed in flames following the impact, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Governor Beshear described the event as “a catastrophic crash.”
“We believe we have at least three fatalities,” Beshear said during a Tuesday night press briefing. “I believe that number is going to get larger. Anybody who has seen the images and video knows how violent this crash is.”
Search and Rescue Operations
The status of the flight crew remains uncertain. UPS confirmed that three crew members were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. Emergency response teams continue to search through debris while monitoring surrounding structures for signs of additional victims or injuries.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Louisville Metro Police, Louisville Fire Department, Jefferson County Emergency Management, and state environmental teams. Officials said there was no hazardous cargo aboard the plane but warned that residual materials from the fire could present environmental risks.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours as power lines and unstable wreckage complicated access to the impact zone.
Investigation Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation. The NTSB will take the lead in determining the cause of the crash, which preliminary evidence suggests may have involved a mechanical failure prior to takeoff.
Governor Beshear thanked first responders for their swift action, calling the crash “one of the most tragic incidents Louisville has faced in years.”
The area surrounding the crash site remains closed as crews work to secure the scene and assess damage to nearby buildings. Residents are advised to avoid the area until further notice.
Cover image: X Account @LeviDean98