NTSB Releases Video of Fatal UPS Flight 2976 MD-11F Crash in Louisville

The National Transportation Safety Board has released airport surveillance video documenting the crash of UPS Flight 2976 on Nov. 4, 2025. The footage shows the Boeing MD-11F cargo aircraft suffering a left engine and pylon separation shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The accident killed three crew members and 11 people on the ground, with 23 others injured.

Fatigue Cracks Identified

Investigative findings indicate fatigue cracking in the aft lug of the pylon mount structure. Preliminary inspections also identified migrated outer races in bearing assemblies across MD-11 and DC-10 fleets, suggesting a broader maintenance concern. The NTSB has expanded inspections of the UPS fleet to ensure no similar vulnerabilities remain in active service.

The investigation continues under docket DCA26MA024. Full details regarding the specific cause of failure are expected in the final NTSB report following completion of the hearing process.