The total count of victims resulting from the UPS cargo plane which caught fire and went down has risen to 13, per official reports.
Mayor's Statement
While en route to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I received word of a additional fatality that died as a outcome of the plane incident,” stated the local official in a public communication. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, friends and co-workers of all who were killed in this recent disaster. We will get through this collectively.”
Casualties Named
A release from the company listed the flight crew operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts go out to every employee who has been touched and everyone in our Louisville community – helping you and making sure you get the attention and assistance you need is our priority,” the firm’s message expressed.
Investigation Details
Federal authorities revealed that the freight aircraft’s wing ignited and an power plant detached just after departure from the aviation hub, causing the jet to crash and erupt into a fireball.
The safety agency has said it is investigating the jet’s upkeep logs, which was in the state for maintenance weeks before the incident.
Aviation data indicated the aircraft was on the tarmac in San Antonio, Texas from early September to mid-October.
“We are cognizant that this plane was present in that city,” remarked an investigator on later, without a specific date range. “We will examine all elements of service that was performed, including the Texas visit, all the way to the day of the flight.”
Retrieval of Key Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and information unit were recovered, and the power plant was discovered on the airfield.
The units – known as flight recorders – were built to survive collision damage and extreme heat from blazes, and they seemed to be intact when found among the wreckage. Investigators intend to analyzing recordings from the recorders.
Jet’s last data recordings displayed an altitude of 475 ft and a rate of that speed prior to the accident.
Maintenance History
Per aviation authority records from that date, a fissure on a component inside the tank area demanded repairs.
The company ST Engineering, which stated it offers aircraft servicing for the carrier’s MD-11 and runs a repair facility in that city, chose not to provide remarks, but stated it would work closely when relevant authorities reached out it.
Operations Continue
At the same time, the facility operations resumed that evening with its Next Day Air or evening operation, representative Jim Mayer said. All three tarmacs at the aviation hub were also open again.
The sorting center in the city is the firm’s most significant. The center engages over twenty thousand individuals in the region, processes numerous aircraft each day and processes in excess of 400,000 parcels each hour.
Public Response
A gathering was conducted on the night of that date by the local Teamsters Union, which represents workers at the aviation hub, the company’s largest air cargo hub.
The union chapter, which stands for UPS workers, started the vigil with a quiet tribute at that time, the rough moment of the incident before.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the official told the group of attendees. “No one had a chance to bid farewell to each of those who we have mourned.”
