NTSB Provides Update on UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville

Investigation Update and Condolences

• 💔 The NTSB expresses sincere condolences to the families affected by the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville.
• 🔍 The investigation is currently in the fact-gathering phase, with a focus on understanding what happened and why, to prevent future occurrences.
• 🤝 The NTSB acknowledges and thanks the extraordinary efforts of first responders, the airport authority, elected officials, and the community.

Debris Field and Site Operations

• ⚠️ The debris field remains active, with ongoing efforts to manage potential hazards like spot fires from compressed paper products.
• 💧 Additional water or firefighting apparatus is being used cautiously to avoid disturbing the scene.
• 🧑‍🚒 Over 100 first responders and over 500 individuals are involved in securing and investigating the scene.
• 🚁 A LAR scan of the topography and debris field is assisting with aerial recreation and technical equipment.
• 🛠️ The FBI is assisting in making potential hazards, such as compressed bottles and fire suppression materials, safe for investigation.

Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Findings

• 🔊 The cockpit voice recorder captured 2 hours and 4 minutes of good quality audio, indicating the crew completed standard checklists.
• 🔔 A repeating bell was heard on the CVR approximately 37 seconds after takeoff thrust, persisting for 25 seconds until the end of the recording.
• ✈️ During this time, the crew made efforts to control the aircraft.
• 📝 A CVR group will be formed to review the recording and produce a transcript, which will be made public later.
• 📊 The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data is still being validated and will provide additional details.

Aircraft Components and Further Searches

• ⚙️ The bulk of the left engine pylon was still attached when the engine separated from the wing; both components are undergoing examination.
• 🔍 Additional searches are being conducted for pieces of the engine attachment, with metal detectors and other apparatus being utilized.
• 🛫 The MD11 aircraft was in San Antonio for a heavy check, and records are being retrieved with FAA assistance.
• 🧑‍💻 Inspectors will examine similar aircraft configurations, and operations teams will use simulators to run scenarios.

Environmental Concerns and Investigation Scope

• 🌊 Regarding oil and black sludge in waterways, the NTSB does not investigate environmental concerns; this is being handled by the Kentucky Division of Water and the EPA.
• ❓ The NTSB's role is to collect perishable evidence, determine what happened and why, and prevent future accidents, not victim recovery, which is handled by local authorities.
• 🧐 The investigation is ongoing, and the NTSB will remain on-site as long as necessary to secure all perishable evidence and information.