Terrifying Dash-Cam Footage Captures UPS Plane Fireball at Takeoff Near Louisville

A shocking dash-cam video has surfaced showing the horrifying moment a UPS cargo plane erupted into flames right after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The tragic crash left at least 11 people dead and several others injured, and officials fear the number could still rise.

Terrifying Dash-Cam Footage Captures the Disaster

The footage, which spread quickly across social media, shows the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 lifting off the runway and catching fire almost instantly. Flames shoot from the left wing before the aircraft loses control, slamming back down and skidding across the tarmac in a massive explosion. Within moments, the plane is engulfed in fire as thick, black smoke billows high into the sky.

The cargo jet was bound for Honolulu and had three UPS crew members on board, who are all presumed dead. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed in a press briefing that recovery teams worked through the night to search the wreckage. He called the event “an unimaginable tragedy” and said that state and federal officials are doing everything possible to understand what caused the disaster.

Federal Investigators Begin Probing the Cause

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are already on site, combing through the debris for clues. Early reports suggest the possibility of an engine or fuel system malfunction, but authorities have emphasized that it’s still too early to tell. They expect a preliminary report within a few weeks, though the full investigation could take months.

UPS Issues Statement Following the Crash

UPS released a heartfelt statement expressing deep sadness over the crash. The company said their focus is on supporting the families of those lost and assisting investigators.

“We’re heartbroken and working closely with all authorities involved,” the company shared, adding that safety remains their top priority.

Witnesses Describe the Moment of Impact

Witnesses near the airport described the terrifying sight. One resident said she saw a bright flash of light up in the sky, followed by a thunderous boom that shook her windows. Others reported seeing the massive plume of smoke from miles away as emergency crews rushed toward the burning wreckage.

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. The crash happened on the same day two major U.S. airlines were hit with unrelated bomb threats — one in Washington, D.C., and another in New York. Both incidents were later cleared by authorities, but the timing of all three events left many travelers feeling uneasy about air safety that day.

Focus Turns to Possible Mechanical Failures

For now, investigators are focusing on finding out why the aircraft caught fire so quickly after takeoff. The MD-11 model, while widely used for cargo flights, has been involved in a few past incidents related to takeoff stability and fuel system issues — something experts say will likely be reviewed again in this case.

Community Mourns and Seeks Answers

As the Louisville community mourns, vigils are being planned for the victims. The tragic event has shaken UPS employees worldwide, many of whom describe their colleagues as “family.”

While answers may take time, everyone affected is holding on to the hope that understanding what went wrong will help prevent another disaster like this from happening again.