A fire erupted in the left wing of an airplane, causing its engine to detach just before a devastating crash and explosion on Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed initial findings of the investigation into the incident, which has left the US mourning the victims, including a child. Families of at least 16 individuals have reported missing loved ones following the tragedy in Louisville, Kentucky.
According to Todd Inman from the NTSB, the aircraft experienced a significant fire in the left wing after being cleared for takeoff. The NTSB is now focused on determining the cause of the fire and the engine detachment, a process that could extend beyond a year. Despite gaining enough altitude to clear the runway fence, the plane eventually went down outside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, a major transportation hub handling millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually.
Security footage from the airport captured the moment the engine broke away from the wing during takeoff. The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder were recovered, and the engine was found on the airfield amidst a debris field spanning half a mile. The vast wreckage makes the search for survivors challenging, with little hope of finding any amid the scorched crash site.
An aviation specialist pointed out that the aircraft, over 30 years old, was laden with 38,000 gallons of fuel, essentially turning it into a volatile bomb upon impact. The ensuing blaze engulfed the plane and spread to nearby establishments, leading to the closure of UPS Worldport at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport for several hours. The temporary disruption in operations will impact the supply chain, causing shipping delays that the company aims to mitigate before the upcoming busy Christmas season.
Details about the cargo onboard the ill-fated flight were not disclosed by the airline, but it is expected to face additional challenges in the aftermath of the crash. Despite the setback, the company anticipates clearing the backlog before the holiday rush. Supply chain management experts emphasize the necessity of a thorough resolution process to address the current crisis promptly.
