The NTSB confirmed a UPS cargo plane’s left engine separated during takeoff before a fatal Louisville airport crash that killed 11 people and injured 11 others Tuesday.
The left engine of the UPS cargo plane involved in the fiery crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky Tuesday fell off during takeoff, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed Wednesday. UPS Flight 2976 crashed with three crew members on board and more than 200,000 pounds of fuel into the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling building after departing from SDF at about 5:15 p.m. ET Tuesday, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.
At least 11 people are dead, including the three crew members onboard and a young child, and 11 others on the ground were injured, Beshear said.
Though the cause of the crash has not yet been released, NTSB officials said the left engine detached from the plane and was found on the airfield.
Preliminary information indicates the flight was not delayed, and no immediate maintenance work was performed before takeoff, officials said. There are no known airworthiness directives tied to the aircraft or its engines.
The NTSB confirmed the FBI is assisting with the investigation