The number of fatalities resulting from the UPS cargo plane which ignited and crashed has now climbed to 13, according to official reports.
City Leader's Remarks
While en route to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I learned of a 13th person that lost their life as a result of the plane accident,” wrote the municipal leader in a social media post. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, companions and co-workers of all who were lost in this week’s calamity. We will endure this together.”
Victims Confirmed
An announcement from the carrier identified the pilots aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts go out to all staff member who has been affected and all in our community area – supporting you and ensuring you get the attention and assistance you need is our priority,” the company’s communication expressed.
Investigation Findings
National investigators announced that the UPS cargo plane’s left wing caught fire and an power plant separated soon after departure from the airfield, leading to the jet to plummet and burst into a blaze.
The safety agency announced it is examining the jet’s service record, that was in Texas for repairs a period prior to the incident.
Aviation records indicated the plane was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to last week.
“We are aware that this plane was located in that city,” said an investigator on Thursday, without a precise period. “We will review every piece of service that was completed, even the San Antonio visit, all the way to the date of the flight.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder were retrieved, and the power plant was found on the tarmac.
The devices – known as data containers – were designed to survive collision damage and extreme temperatures from blazes, and they seemed to be intact when located among the crash debris. Authorities will analyzing information from the recorders.
Aircraft’s concluding flight details displayed an altitude of 475 ft and a speed of 210 miles per hour before the impact.
Maintenance History
According to FAA files dated last month, a fissure on a part within the center wing fuel tank demanded repairs.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which stated it supplies aircraft servicing for UPS’s MD-11 and runs a service location in San Antonio, chose not to comment, but expressed it would cooperate fully when officials reached out it.
Operations Continue
In the meantime, UPS Worldport activities restarted last night with its Next Day Air or nighttime operation, official the company official said. All three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were additionally reopened.
The UPS package handling facility in this location is the company’s largest. The center hires over 20,000 workers in the locality, handles 300 aircraft each day and organizes in excess of 400,000 packages each hour.
Community Reaction
A candlelight vigil was organized on the evening of recently by the local worker’s group, which supports staff at the airfield, the organization’s biggest shipping facility.
Teamsters Local 89, which supports employees, began the vigil with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the rough hour of the crash before.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the leader addressed the crowd of attendees. “No one had a moment to part to each of those who we have lost.”
