UPS names three pilots who died in Louisville plane crash that resulted in 12 fatalities

UPS Flight Tragedy at Louisville Airport

On Thursday, UPS confirmed that a flight attendant lost their life during a devastating plane crash on Tuesday at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals and injuring many others.

The three pilots aboard Flight 2976 were identified as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond, an experienced international rescue worker, as noted by UPS Vice President Nando Cesarone.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic Flight 2976 incident,” Cesarone stated. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted and the Louisville community. We’re here to support you and ensure you get the necessary care and resources.”

The UPS cargo plane was en route to Hawaii, carrying roughly 38,000 gallons of fuel, when it crashed into a nearby oil recycling facility shortly after taking off around 5:15 p.m. ET, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

At the time of the crash, the recycling company had 29 storage tanks on site, containing approximately 226,000 gallons of used motor oil and 37,000 gallons of an oil, water, and antifreeze mixture, as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA officials indicated that several of the facility’s large storage tanks had failed and toppled over. The site is currently closed, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducting an investigation.

Preliminary data shows the plane was at an altitude of 475 feet and traveling at 183 knots when it went down. The EPA confirmed that no hazardous materials were on board the aircraft.

Sadly, at least 12 victims, including three crew members and an infant, perished in the incident, with another 11 people on the ground sustaining injuries. The search continues for others who may still be unaccounted for.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for the entire UPS family,” Cesarone said, quoting CEO Carol Tomé: ‘United, we are strong.’ We send our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of our colleague and the Louisville community.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but NTSB officials reported that one of the left engines detached from the plane and was located on the airfield.

Officials also confirmed that data was successfully retrieved from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, often referred to as the “black box,” at their laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Notably, the aircraft had been stationed in San Antonio, Texas, for six weeks prior to the crash. It’s suggested it may have been used to replace another plane shortly before takeoff due to maintenance issues.

The EPA is collaborating with local authorities and UPS to manage the oil spill, addressing contamination in rivers connected to the Salt and Ohio Rivers. They are committed to monitoring air, land, and water safety for nearby residents.