What happened to the UPS cargo flight near Louisville Airport?

The UPS cargo flight bound for Honolulu crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, sparking a major emergency response.

When did the Louisville plane crash occur?

The Louisville plane crash happened on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, around 5:15 pm local time.

What type of aircraft was involved in the Louisville plane crash?

The plane that crashed was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft that had been converted and was in service with UPS since 2006.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Fiery Plane Crash Shakes Louisville, Authorities Investigate

Fiery Plane Crash Shakes Louisville, Authorities Investigate

5 Nov

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Summary

UPS cargo flight bound for Honolulu crashed near Louisville airport
Thick smoke and flames seen after takeoff, massive emergency response
Investigators from FAA and NTSB working to determine cause of crash

Fiery Plane Crash Shakes Louisville, Authorities Investigate

On Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, a UPS cargo flight crashed near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, sparking a major emergency response. The plane, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, was bound for Honolulu when it went down shortly after takeoff around 5:15 pm local time.

Eyewitness videos circulating online showed flames erupting from the aircraft as it plummeted to the ground. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, responding to multiple calls of an explosion near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, close to the airport's perimeter.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of people on board or the extent of any injuries. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport, which has since been extended.