The number of victims resulting from the transport jet that ignited and crashed has now climbed to 13, per latest reports.
Mayor's Announcement
While en route to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I was informed of a additional fatality that passed away as a consequence of the plane incident,” wrote the local official in a social media post. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, friends and colleagues of all who were killed in this week’s tragedy. We will endure this together.”
Victims Identified
A statement from the company identified the pilots aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts go out to each UPSer who has been affected and everyone in our Louisville community – supporting you and ensuring you obtain the care and resources you need is our main concern,” the company’s statement expressed.
Probe Details
Federal authorities revealed that the freight aircraft’s wing burst into flames and an engine separated shortly after takeoff from the airfield, causing the jet to fall and burst into a blaze.
The NTSB announced it is examining the aircraft’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance weeks ahead of the incident.
Aviation data revealed the aircraft was on the ground in the Texas city from the start of last month to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this aircraft was present in San Antonio,” said an investigator on Thursday, without a precise period. “We will look at each aspect of repairs that was performed, from the repair period, straight to the day of the journey.”
Findings of Critical Items
The audio device and flight data recorder were recovered, and the engine was located on the tarmac.
The devices – called data containers – were designed to survive accident forces and extreme temperatures from fires, and they seemed to be in one piece when discovered among the wreckage. Investigators intend to analyzing information from the black boxes.
The plane’s concluding data recordings showed an elevation of that level and a velocity of that speed ahead of the accident.
Repair Record
Based on Federal Aviation Administration records dated that date, a fracture on a part within the center wing fuel tank required repairs.
The company ST Engineering, which said it offers structural repairs for the carrier’s MD-11 and operates a service location in Texas, chose not to comment, but said it would work closely when relevant authorities approached it.
Operations Restart
Meanwhile, the hub activities resumed that evening with its Next Day Air or evening procedure, representative Jim Mayer said. The three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were also back in operation.
The distribution hub in the city is the company’s most significant. The facility hires over 20,000 workers in the area, handles numerous flights per day and sorts over 400,000 packages an hour.
Local Reaction
A gathering was held on the late afternoon of 6 November by the local worker’s group, which represents workers at the Louisville airport, the organization’s biggest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which supports employees, commenced the memorial with a moment of silence at the evening hour, the approximate time of the accident previously.
“This event was so unexpected, so unexpected,” the official addressed the assembly of attendees. “No one had a moment to say goodbye to each of those who we have lost.”
