FAA confirms UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Airport after takeoff; extended shelter-in-place in effect

louisville plane crash: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the plane that crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, October 4, was a UPS cargo flight bound for Honolulu. The Louisville plane crash sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompted a massive emergency response across Louisville. Videos circulating online show flames erupting from the aircraft shortly after takeoff.


According to the FAA, “UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.” The agency added that it is working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the incident.



Local outlet WDRB reported that emergency crews responded to multiple calls of an explosion near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, close to the airport’s perimeter. Louisville Metro Police confirmed an active scene with visible fire and debris scattered across the area. Spokesperson Matt Sanders said the incident “involved a plane crash with injuries and more than 20 calls for service.”

Data from FlightRadar24 shows that the plane, registered N259UP, was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11(F) that had been converted to cargo and entered UPS service in 2006.


Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport around 5:30 p.m., which has since been extended. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) posted an alert on X, stating:

“All areas north of the airport to the Ohio River are now a part of the shelter-in-place. Please remain away from the area.”


Officials have not yet confirmed the number of people on board or the cause of the crash.