Newly released footage from federal investigators captured the terrifying moment a UPS cargo plane began coming apart mid-takeoff before crashing in Kentucky last year, killing 15 people in one of the company’s deadliest disasters ever.
According to the New York Post, the video, released Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board, shows the left engine and pylon separating from the wing of UPS Flight 2976 moments after the aircraft lifted off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Nov. 4, 2025.
Flames could be seen erupting from the damaged side of the aircraft as the jet struggled in the air.
The Hawaii-bound plane ultimately crashed near the airport in an industrial area, scattering debris across more than a half-mile stretch and igniting a massive fire.
The NTSB is now holding hearings in Washington, D.C., this week as investigators continue examining what caused the catastrophic accident.
The aircraft involved was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo jet.
Following the crash, all MD-11 aircraft were temporarily grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration for several months while safety reviews were conducted.
Three UPS crew members died aboard the plane.
UPS identified them as Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57, First Officer Lee Truitt, 45, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond, 62.
Twelve people on the ground were also killed in the disaster.
The victims were identified as Angela Anderson, 45, Carlos Fernandez, 52, Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37, Tony Crain, 65, John Loucks, 52, John Spray, 45, Matthew Sweets, 37, Ella Petty Whorton, 31, Megan Washburn, 35, Louisnes Fedon, 47, and Fedon’s 3-year-old granddaughter, Kimberly Asa.
Another victim, Alain Rodriguez Colina, survived the initial crash but later died from his injuries on Christmas Day.
The footage released by investigators offered the clearest look yet at the mechanical failure that unfolded seconds after takeoff.
In the video, the aircraft appears to pitch upward before the left-side engine assembly breaks free from the wing. Fire immediately trails behind the aircraft as it continues climbing briefly before crashing.
The deadly accident marked the worst crash in UPS history and renewed scrutiny over aging cargo aircraft still operating in commercial fleets.
Investigators have not yet announced a final determination on the cause of the engine separation or the crash itself.
