The number of lives lost due to the freight aircraft which ignited and crashed has now reached 13, per recent statements.
Official's Announcement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ vigil, I received word of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” expressed the city mayor in a public communication. “My prayers is with the loved ones, associates and colleagues of all who were taken in this recently occurred disaster. We will overcome this collectively.”
Casualties Confirmed
A statement from UPS listed the officers operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts are extended to each employee who has been touched and everyone in our local region – helping you and ensuring you obtain the attention and resources you need is our main concern,” the firm’s communication stated.
Inquiry Details
Federal investigators revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s left wing burst into flames and an motor fell off soon after liftoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, leading to the aircraft to crash and explode into a fireball.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is investigating the plane’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance a period ahead of the incident.
Flight tracking information showed the jet was on the tarmac in the Texas city from early September to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was located in San Antonio,” stated an investigator on Thursday, without a specific date range. “We will review every piece of service that was completed, even the Texas time, straight to the time of the journey.”
Recovery of Critical Items
The audio device and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was found on the tarmac.
The recorders – called flight recorders – were built to withstand accident forces and intense temperatures from infernos, and they seemed to be in one piece when discovered within the remains. Investigators plan on reviewing data from the devices.
The plane’s final data recordings indicated an altitude of 475 feet and a rate of 210 mph prior to the crash.
Maintenance History
Per aviation authority files from that date, a fissure on a structural piece within the fuel container required repairs.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which stated it provides aircraft servicing for the company’s jet and runs a service location in Texas, declined to provide remarks, but said it would assist completely when investigators contacted it.
Activities Restart
At the same time, UPS Worldport services restarted Wednesday night with its express or nighttime process, spokesperson Jim Mayer stated. Each of the three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were likewise reopened.
The distribution hub in this location is the firm’s largest. The hub engages over a large number of people in the region, processes three hundred flights daily and processes over four hundred thousand packages each hour.
Public Response
A candlelight vigil was organized on the late afternoon of that date by the local worker’s group, which acts for workers at the aviation hub, the organization’s largest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which represents employees, began the gathering with a period of reflection at that time, the approximate hour of the incident previously.
“This event was so sudden, so unforeseen,” the official addressed the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a moment to part to each of those who we have mourned.”
