Louisville Community Mourns Three UPS Flight 2976 Crew Members Lost
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — The community here is in profound sorrow following the tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976, a cargo aircraft that plunged just after take-off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The accident claimed the lives of all three crew members aboard: Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond. †
At approximately 5:20 p.m. ET, the 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighter began its journey bound for Honolulu. Moments into its climb, however, it suffered a severe malfunction—witnesses reported flames erupting along the left wing and an engine separating from the aircraft during the initial ascent. The plane then crashed into an industrial zone beyond the airport perimeter, igniting fires, damaging multiple buildings, and casting devastating impact across the adjacent community. The death toll from the crash—including ground victims—has risen to at least 12 and may continue to grow pending identification and recovery efforts. (AP News)
Victims and Their Lives
- Captain Richard Wartenberg held the ultimate responsibility for the flight. While specific details of his personal background have not been fully released, he was among the most experienced crew members on board.
- First Officer Lee Truitt served as the aircraft’s second-in-command. He was known within aviation circles for his professionalism and commitment to safety. One source noted he previously worked in Albuquerque and returned often to mentor younger pilots. (KOB.com)
- Relief Captain Dana Diamond held a supervisory role, supporting flight operations across UPS’ extensive cargo network. The company’s statement described him as an experienced pilot who volunteered for remote assignments to assist his colleagues.
Together, these three men represented the human face behind UPS’s global air-cargo system—a mission built on precision, reliability and constant movement. Their loss weighs heavily on the company and the broader logistics community.
The Crash and Its Aftermath
According to initial reports, the aircraft had just cleared run-way 17R and was climbing when the left wing caught fire. Video footage reviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) showed the engine visibly separated from the wing and the plane began an uncommanded turn before crashing into an industrial park that housed a petroleum-recycling facility and an auto-parts yard. (The Washington Post)
The crash triggered a massive emergency response: fire-suppression teams, hazardous-material crews, structural engineers and hundreds of first-responders worked through the night amid thick smoke, flaming wreckage and unstable structures. The surrounding area was placed under a shelter-in-place order as analysis and search progressed. (LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX))
The NTSB has launched a full investigation, focusing on the maintenance history of the aircraft, including inspections of a structural crack in the center-wing fuel tank previously documented this year. UPS ceased further operations of the MD-11 freighter for the time being and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. (Reuters)
Community and Corporate Mourning
In a corporate announcement, United Parcel Service (UPS) expressed “great sorrow” and extended deepest sympathies to the families and colleagues of the fallen crew. The company emphasized its priority was to care for its employees, the families, and the Louisville community. The CEO affirmed: “United, we are strong.” (About UPS-US)
A vigil was held Thursday evening near the crash site, where hundreds gathered to honor the victims. Candles, flowers and personal tributes filled the scene as local leaders, including Mayor Craig Greenberg and Governor Andy Beshear, addressed the scope of loss and commended the responders. (AP News)
Moving Forward
While the full cause of the accident remains undetermined, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced in air-cargo operations and the importance of continual safety and maintenance oversight. The NTSB emphasizes that air-crash investigations often take years, as every piece of wreckage and data must be meticulously analysed.
For now, the memory of Captain Wartenberg, First Officer Truitt, and Relief Captain Diamond lives on—within UPS’s “family,” their global network of workers, and a Louisville community bowed by tragedy but resolved to heal. May their service, dedication and sacrifice never be forgotten