NTSB Locates Black Boxes from UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville

NTSB Investigation Update

• ✈️ The NTSB has located the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder (black boxes) from the UPS cargo plane that crashed.
• 💔 Sincere condolences are extended to those affected by the accident, including families of victims and the injured.
• 🎯 The NTSB's mission is to determine not only what happened but why, and to prevent future occurrences.

Aircraft and Accident Details

• 🛫 The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, manufactured in 1999, with tail number N259UP.
• 📉 The plane was en route from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu, Hawaii, with three souls on board.
• 🔥 A large plume of fire occurred in the left wing area during takeoff roll, shortly after clearing the runway fence.
• 💥 The plane impacted structures and terrain off the airport property, followed by a post-impact fire covering nearly half an acre.
• 📹 Airport CCTV footage shows the left engine detaching from the wing during takeoff.

NTSB Investigation Process

• 🔬 The NTSB will analyze evidence to determine the probable cause and issue safety recommendations.
• 🧑‍🔬 The investigation team includes senior investigators and subject matter experts in various groups: operations, structures, power plants, and systems.
• 🔧 A maintenance group will review maintenance records and any work done on the aircraft.
• 🤝 The NTSB offers party status to entities with relevant expertise, but they are not permitted to release information publicly without NTSB consent.

Recovery of Evidence

• 🔍 Investigators are documenting and recovering wreckage, including the detached left engine, which is believed to be on the airfield.
• ⚠️ The public is asked to report any aircraft debris found to witnessed@ntsb.gov.
• 📦 The black boxes, though showing heat damage, are expected to yield valuable data once analyzed in the lab.
• 🗣️ The NTSB will not release the actual audio from the cockpit voice recorder out of respect for those involved.