The number of victims resulting from the freight aircraft which burst into flames and crashed has now reached 13, as confirmed by latest announcements.
City Leader's Statement
While en route to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I received word of a 13th person that died as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” stated the municipal leader in a online message. “My thoughts are with the relatives, friends and colleagues of all who were killed in this recent calamity. We will endure this together.”
Victims Confirmed
A statement from the carrier identified the flight crew operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies reach out to all employee who has been affected and all in our local community – helping you and ensuring you obtain the attention and resources you need is our focus,” the organization’s statement expressed.
Inquiry Updates
Government investigators announced that the jet’s wing ignited and an motor fell off shortly after takeoff from the airfield, leading to the aircraft to fall and explode into a inferno.
The safety agency stated it is examining the jet’s service record, that was in the state for fixes several weeks before the crash.
Flight tracking data revealed the aircraft was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was present in the facility,” stated an official on Thursday, not giving a specific date range. “We will review all elements of service that was performed, including the repair visit, straight to the time of the flight.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was found on the airfield.
The devices – known as black boxes – were designed to endure crash impacts and extreme temperatures from infernos, and they appeared to be in one piece when discovered within the wreckage. Investigators plan on reviewing information from the recorders.
The plane’s final flight details showed an altitude of 475 ft and a speed of that speed ahead of the crash.
Service Record
Per Federal Aviation Administration documents from 18 September, a crack on a component inside the tank area needed fixes.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which indicated it supplies structural repairs for UPS’s jet and operates a repair facility in Texas, chose not to comment, but stated it would cooperate fully when officials reached out it.
Operations Continue
At the same time, the hub activities resumed that evening with its Next Day Air or nighttime procedure, spokesperson a representative confirmed. The three landing strips at the airport were also back in operation.
The UPS package handling facility in Louisville is the firm’s largest. The hub engages more than a large number of workers in the locality, processes 300 aircraft daily and sorts in excess of 400,000 items each hour.
Local Reaction
A gathering was conducted on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area Teamsters Union, which acts for employees at the aviation hub, the organization’s biggest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which represents staff, began the vigil with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the approximate moment of the accident before.
“This event was so sudden, so unexpected,” the mayor spoke to the crowd of attendees. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to each of those who we have mourned.”
