November 2025 – A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed key early findings in the crash of UPS Flight 2976. The cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), killing 3 crewmembers aboard and 11 people on the ground. An additional 23 people were injured.
According to the NTSB’s early investigation, surveillance video shows the left engine separating from its pylon mount just after liftoff.
The report states investigators found “evidence of fatigue cracks in addition to areas of overstress failure” in a part of the engine mount that linked the MD-11 freighter’s left engine to the wing.
“It is imperative that the families of all the victims (and the flying public) get a full investigation and transparent investigation into all the factors that led to this horrific tragedy,” said Podhurst Orseck partner Ricardo Martinez-Cid, board-certified in Aviation Law.
Ten days after the tragic crash, the FAA made the decision to temporarily ground all MD-11 planes.
“This finding is not surprising given the decision to ground the fleet. That grounding suggested there are safety issues that go beyond the unique circumstances of that flight,” said Martinez-Cid.
At Podhurst Orseck, our aviation litigation attorneys have represented victims and families affected by major airline disasters worldwide. With more than 5 decades of experience and landmark case results, we have built a reputation as leaders in aviation litigation. We know the profound toll these tragedies take and fight to hold airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and others accountable.
For more information about this case contact Laura Rodriguez, Director of Communications at lrodriguez@podhurst.com.
