NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on UPS Flight 2976 Crash

Image Source: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued its preliminary findings on the November 4 crash of UPS Flight 2976, a Boeing MD-11F that went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Runway 17R. The early report reveals a catastrophic sequence of mechanical failures that began seconds after liftoff.

Normal Taxi, Normal Roll — Until Rotation

According to the NTSB, the aircraft’s taxi and takeoff roll showed no irregularities. Everything appeared normal until rotation, when airport surveillance cameras captured the first sign of disaster.

Just after liftoff, the left engine (No. 1) and its pylon suddenly separated from the wing. The footage shows the engine igniting as it broke away, passing over the fuselage before falling to the ground.

Simultaneously, a separate fire erupted near the left pylon attachment point on the wing, continuing to burn as the aircraft struggled to remain airborne.

Only 30 Feet Above Ground

Flight data indicates that the MD-11F briefly became airborne but never climbed beyond roughly 30 feet above ground level, based on radio altimeter data recorded by the flight data recorder.
FAA ADS-B data shows a final altitude of 481 feet MSL, equivalent to about 100 feet AGL at Louisville.

With insufficient altitude and asymmetric thrust after the engine separation, the aircraft was unable to gain stable flight.

Impact Sequence

After clearing the blast fence at the end of Runway 17R, the aircraft’s left main landing gear struck the roof of a UPS Supply Chain Solutions warehouse located near the airport’s southern perimeter.

Seconds later, the MD-11F crashed into a storage yard and two additional structures, including a petroleum recycling facility, where it was consumed by a post-crash fire.

Early Signs of Structural Failure

One of the most critical findings so far involves the left pylon aft mount lug. Investigators found evidence of both:

• Fatigue cracking

• Overstress failure

Fatigue cracks were discovered on both inboard and outboard fracture surfaces, specifically at the junction where the aft lug bore meets the forward face of the lug — a potential indication of progressive weakening prior to the event.

These preliminary findings will guide the next phase of analysis as investigators work to determine why the engine-pylon assembly failed so catastrophically.

For more information and ongoing updates, read our earlier coverage here:
https://www.airnavradar.com/blog/ups-md-11f-crashes-shortly-after-takeoff-from-louisville