UPS Plane Crash in Louisville, KY; Injuries Reported as Fire Rages Near Airport

LOUISVILLE, KY — A United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) Tuesday evening, sparking a massive fire and sending a towering plume of black smoke visible across the city.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, crashed around 5:13 p.m. local time, just three minutes after departure, according to flight data.

Local authorities confirmed the severity of the incident. The Louisville Metro Police Department reported an active scene with “fire and debris” near a parking lot and asked the public to stay away, confirming “injuries reported” at the crash site.

Social media footage captured the harrowing final moments, showing the aircraft ablaze and struggling for elevation before erupting into a fireball near Fern Valley Road. Firefighters are battling multiple blazes across the expansive debris field.

UPS confirmed the aircraft had three crew members onboard but, in its latest statement, noted it has “not confirmed any injuries or casualties” at this time.

The airfield at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has been closed indefinitely.

A shelter-in-place order was issued within a five-mile (8km) radius of the airport.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated the situation is “serious” and asked for prayers for those affected.

The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of only 175 feet (53m) before its rapid descent. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are on site, with the NTSB taking the lead on the investigation.