The number of fatalities due to the UPS cargo plane that ignited and plummeted has now reached 13, as confirmed by official announcements.
Mayor's Remarks
Traveling to the Teamsters’ vigil, I was informed of a 13th person that died as a result of the aircraft crash,” wrote the municipal leader in a online message. “My prayers are with the relatives, associates and co-workers of all who were lost in this week’s calamity. We will endure this collectively.”
Victims Identified
A release from the company named the flight crew on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts are extended to every UPSer who has been affected and everyone in our local area – supporting you and ensuring you get the support and assistance you need is our focus,” the firm’s statement expressed.
Investigation Findings
Government officials revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s wing caught fire and an engine separated soon after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, leading to the jet to crash and erupt into a blaze.
The safety agency stated it is investigating the plane’s upkeep logs, which was in the state for maintenance a period prior to the accident.
Flight tracking records indicated the aircraft was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to mid-October.
“We are aware that this aircraft was located in San Antonio,” stated an investigator on the following day, not giving a exact period. “We will look at all elements of repairs that was completed, even the San Antonio time, straight to the time of the journey.”
Retrieval of Critical Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were found, and the engine was discovered on the runway.
The units – called flight recorders – were constructed to endure collision damage and severe heat from infernos, and they appeared to be undamaged when discovered among the wreckage. Authorities plan on reviewing data from the devices.
Aircraft’s concluding data recordings displayed an altitude of that level and a rate of that speed before the accident.
Maintenance Record
Based on Federal Aviation Administration records dated that date, a crack on a structural piece inside the center wing fuel tank required fixes.
The company ST Engineering, which stated it offers airframe maintenance for the company’s jet and runs a service location in San Antonio, chose not to speak, but said it would work closely when officials contacted it.
Operations Continue
In the meantime, the facility services continued that evening with its Next Day Air or nighttime procedure, official Jim Mayer said. The three tarmacs at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were additionally reopened.
The distribution hub in Louisville is the company’s biggest. The center hires more than twenty thousand people in the area, handles 300 flights per day and sorts more than a huge volume of items per hour.
Community Response
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area labor union, which represents staff at the airfield, the firm’s largest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which stands for employees, commenced the vigil with a moment of silence at that time, the estimated hour of the accident before.
“This event was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader spoke to the group of 200. “No one had a chance to part to any one of those who we have lost.”
