The number of fatalities from the freight aircraft that burst into flames and crashed has now reached 13, as confirmed by official announcements.
Mayor's Announcement
While en route to the Union’s vigil, I learned of a additional fatality that died as a outcome of the aircraft accident,” stated the city mayor in a public communication. “My thoughts are with the loved ones, companions and colleagues of all who were killed in this week’s disaster. We will overcome this together.”
Casualties Confirmed
An announcement from the company listed the officers operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies are extended to every UPSer who has been affected and everyone in our local area – helping you and making sure you get the attention and aid you need is our focus,” the company’s communication read.
Investigation Findings
National authorities revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s port side wing ignited and an motor fell off shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, resulting in the aircraft to crash and explode into a inferno.
The NTSB announced it is investigating the plane’s upkeep logs, that was in the state for repairs a period ahead of the crash.
Aviation information indicated the plane was on the ground in the Texas city from the start of last month to last week.
“We are aware that this jet was present in that city,” remarked an NTSB member on Thursday, not giving a precise time frame. “We will examine all elements of maintenance that was performed, even the Texas time, straight to the time of the flight.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and data recorder were recovered, and the motor was discovered on the airfield.
The units – referred to as data containers – were built to survive accident forces and extreme temperatures from blazes, and they seemed to be undamaged when found within the crash debris. Authorities intend to reviewing information from the devices.
Aircraft’s concluding data recordings showed an height of 475 ft and a velocity of 210 miles per hour ahead of the accident.
Repair Record
Based on aviation authority records dated that date, a fracture on a structural piece in the center wing fuel tank required fixes.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which stated it provides airframe maintenance for the carrier’s MD-11 and manages a service location in Texas, chose not to provide remarks, but stated it would work closely when officials reached out it.
Activities Restart
At the same time, UPS Worldport operations resumed that evening with its express or evening operation, representative Jim Mayer said. All three tarmacs at the airport were also open again.
The distribution hub in the city is the company’s largest. The center hires over 20,000 workers in the locality, processes 300 aircraft each day and organizes over 400,000 packages each hour.
Public Reaction
A candlelight vigil was organized on the night of 6 November by the regional labor union, which represents staff at the Louisville airport, the organization’s biggest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which supports staff, commenced the vigil with a quiet tribute at the evening hour, the rough hour of the accident before.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so surprising,” the mayor spoke to the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to any one of those who we have said farewell to.”
