by Louisville, KY – UPS has identified the flight crew who died in a fiery cargo plane crash Tuesday at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), a disaster that claimed at least 12 lives and left nearly a dozen others injured.
The deceased pilots aboard Flight 2976 are Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 1st Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond, UPS Airlines executive vice president Nando Cesarone confirmed.
“Words can’t express the sorrow we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 accident,” Cesarone wrote on X. “Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our Louisville community—supporting you and ensuring you receive the care and resources you need is our priority.”
Crash Details and Location
The UPS cargo plane, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel and bound for Hawaii, crashed into the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building shortly after departing from SDF at around 5:15 p.m. ET, according to Governor Andy Beshear.
At the time of the crash, the facility contained 29 above-ground storage tanks holding about 226,000 gallons of used motor oil and 37,000 gallons of oil-water-antifreeze mixture, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Several large tanks reportedly broke open or toppled during the incident. The facility remains closed while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation.
Preliminary Flight Data
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft’s last recorded elevation was 475 feet, traveling at 183 knots before impact. The left engine detached from the plane and was found on the airfield. Officials confirmed there were no hazardous materials onboard the aircraft.
At least 12 people have died, including the three crew members and a young child, while 11 others on the ground were injured, Beshear said. Some individuals remain unaccounted for as recovery efforts continue.
Read Also: Kentucky Cargo Plane Crash Leaves 12 Dead After Engine Failure on Takeoff
UPS Statement and Community Response
Cesarone emphasized the ongoing grief within the UPS community:
“This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family, and as our CEO, Carol Tomé reminded us: ‘United, we are strong.’ We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleagues, and to the loved ones of those in the Louisville community.”
The crash has drawn national attention, with local and state agencies coordinating to support victims’ families and nearby residents affected by the incident.
Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
The cause of the crash has not yet been released. The NTSB confirmed recovery of data from the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder (“black box”) at a Washington, D.C. lab. Officials also noted that the plane had been in San Antonio, Texas, for six weeks prior and may have been used as a replacement aircraft shortly before takeoff due to maintenance concerns.
The EPA is working closely with state and local agencies, as well as UPS, to clean up oil released into nearby streams that flow into the Salt and Ohio rivers, ensuring safe air, land, and water conditions for residents.
The FBI is assisting with the investigation under a longstanding interagency agreement. Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company’s global hub for air cargo operations and its largest package-handling facility worldwide, underscoring the significance of the crash to both the local community and UPS operations.
Authorities continue to gather information and assess the impact of the incident. As investigations progress, officials promise updates on recovery efforts and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For ongoing coverage of the UPS Flight 2976 crash and related developments, visit race-day-live.com.
