A UPS cargo plane crashed and erupted in flames upon landing at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Monday, November 4, 2025, prompting a massive emergency response and temporarily shutting down the airport.
The Boeing 767 freighter, arriving from Ontario, California, went down on the north runway shortly before dawn. Witnesses reported seeing a flash followed by a large fireball as the plane made contact with the ground.
Massive Fire and Emergency Response
Emergency crews from across the airport rushed to the scene within minutes. Airport officials confirmed that all fire and rescue units were deployed to contain the blaze, which sent thick plumes of smoke rising over Louisville’s south side.
“The fire was significant, but our teams responded immediately to bring it under control,” said one airport spokesperson. “The main passenger terminal and surrounding facilities were not affected.”
Focus on Crew Members’ Safety
The aircraft was carrying two crew members, and their conditions remain unconfirmed as of early Tuesday morning. UPS flight operations safety manager Natalie Fahmy said the company’s primary focus is “on the well-being of our crew members and their families.”
“We are working closely with emergency personnel and offering full cooperation to the investigating authorities,” Fahmy added.
UPS released a brief statement expressing its concern and support for those involved, emphasizing that safety remains the company’s highest priority.
Airport Temporarily Closed
Following the crash, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) temporarily suspended operations, diverting incoming flights and delaying departures. By midday, partial operations had resumed on unaffected runways after fire crews extinguished the flames and secured the crash area.
Airport officials confirmed that the north runway where the crash occurred will remain closed until federal investigators complete their on-site examination.
Federal Investigation Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports indicate that the aircraft experienced trouble during landing, though officials have not yet confirmed whether weather, mechanical failure, or pilot issues played a role.
Investigators are expected to review flight data and cockpit voice recorders once they are recovered from the wreckage.
UPS and Community Reaction
Louisville serves as the global air hub for UPS, making the city a critical part of the company’s worldwide logistics network. Operations at the facility, known as “Worldport,” process hundreds of thousands of packages each night.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion followed by sirens shortly after the incident. One eyewitness described the fire as “a huge orange glow lighting up the early morning sky.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg released a statement thanking first responders for their quick action and expressing solidarity with the UPS community.
“We are deeply saddened by this event and grateful to our emergency crews for their professionalism under difficult circumstances,” Greenberg said.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, the FAA and NTSB will work closely with UPS and Boeing to determine the cause of the crash and ensure the safety of future operations. Officials said a preliminary report could be released within the next two weeks.
For now, Louisville’s aviation community and UPS employees around the world are awaiting updates and hoping for positive news about the flight crew.
