Updated: MD-11 Crashes in Kentucky

Three crew members were on the aircraft, UPS said.

A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11F has crashed near Louisville, Kentucky, the Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday evening.

The aircraft — registered as N259UP — was operating flight 2976 to Honolulu.

Social media reports show plumes of black smoke near the airport.

During a press conference, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said at least nine people were killed, with that number expected to rise.

He says the count is preliminary, and some of the injured have “very significant” injuries.

“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties,” UPS said in an initial statement.

Both the NTSB and FAA are investigating.

The last deadly accident involving a UPS aircraft was in 2013, according to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data.

This is a developing story last updated on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2025, at 9:23 a.m. ET.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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