The number of victims due to the UPS cargo plane that burst into flames and crashed has climbed to 13, according to recent announcements.
City Leader's Statement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a result of the plane accident,” wrote the local official in a social media post. “My prayers are with the loved ones, associates and co-workers of all who were killed in this recently occurred calamity. We will get through this collectively.”
Victims Identified
A release from UPS identified the pilots operating the jet 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 everyone in our Louisville region – helping you and making sure you obtain the care and assistance you need is our main concern,” the organization’s communication expressed.
Investigation Findings
National investigators announced that the jet’s port side wing caught fire and an engine separated just after takeoff from the airfield, causing the aircraft to fall and explode into a fireball.
The NTSB stated it is probing the plane’s upkeep logs, which was in the state for repairs weeks ahead of the accident.
Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft was on the ground in the Texas city from the start of last month to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was there in San Antonio,” stated an NTSB member on later, without a precise period. “We will review all elements of service that was completed, including the Texas time, all the way to the time of the journey.”
Retrieval of Vital Items
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the motor was found on the tarmac.
The recorders – known as flight recorders – were built to survive crash impacts and extreme heat from fires, and they appeared to be intact when found within the wreckage. Investigators intend to reviewing recordings from the devices.
Aircraft’s last recorded information showed an height of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph before the impact.
Repair Record
Per FAA documents from that date, a fracture on a part within the tank area needed fixes.
The company ST Engineering, which said it offers aircraft servicing for the company’s aircraft and manages a repair facility in Texas, refused to speak, but expressed it would work closely when officials approached it.
Services Resume
At the same time, the hub operations restarted that evening with its overnight or evening operation, official a representative stated. All three tarmacs at the aviation hub were also back in operation.
The UPS package handling facility in this location is the company’s most significant. The facility engages over a large number of individuals in the region, handles 300 aircraft each day and sorts over a huge volume of parcels an hour.
Local Support
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the late afternoon of that date by the regional Teamsters Union, which supports staff at the Louisville airport, the organization’s primary air cargo hub.
The union chapter, which represents UPS workers, began the memorial with a period of reflection at 5.14pm, the estimated hour of the accident two days earlier.
“This tragedy was so sudden, so unexpected,” the leader addressed the group of 200. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
