NTSB Investigates Louisville UPS Cargo Plane Crash That Claims Three Pilots’ Lives
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its intensive investigation into the UPS cargo plane crash that occurred Tuesday near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, a tragic incident that claimed the lives of three experienced pilots and left the aviation community in mourning.
The victims have been identified as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, all highly regarded members of the UPS Airlines team. The three were operating the MD-11 aircraft when it went down during its approach to the airport early Tuesday morning. The crash, which took place in a field just a few miles short of the runway, ignited a massive fire visible for miles and sent shockwaves through both the company and the city of Louisville.
The Louisville Metro Police Department, Louisville Fire & Rescue, and airport emergency units responded swiftly to the scene after receiving multiple 911 calls around 5:13 a.m. Firefighters battled intense flames for nearly an hour before they could safely access the wreckage. Tragically, all three pilots were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Officials with UPS Airlines confirmed the identities of the victims later that afternoon, describing them as “exceptional professionals and deeply valued members of our global flight team.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleagues,” said UPS Airlines President Jim Joseph. “Richard, Dana, and Lee dedicated their lives to aviation, and their commitment to safety and service defined who they were. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families and loved ones.”
Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft, an MD-11 freighter, had departed from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport en route to Louisville when it encountered trouble during descent. Air traffic control recordings revealed no distress call from the crew, suggesting that whatever went wrong happened suddenly. Witnesses near the crash site reported seeing the plane trailing smoke and banking sharply before impact.
Investigators with the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now working to piece together the final moments of the flight. Early evidence suggests a possible engine fire or structural malfunction, though officials caution that no conclusions will be drawn until a full mechanical analysis and review of flight data are complete. Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) have been recovered and sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis.
The MD-11 model, though widely used in global cargo operations, has a history of complex handling characteristics, particularly during landing or when experiencing asymmetric thrust. Maintenance records show the aircraft had recently undergone service in San Antonio, Texas, including a noted inspection for a fuel tank crack—a detail now under review by investigators.
The Louisville community, home to UPS’s global air hub known as Worldport, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Dozens of employees gathered outside the UPS flight operations building Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil in memory of the fallen crew. Many shared personal stories of the pilots’ mentorship and professionalism.
Captain Richard Wartenberg, a veteran with more than 25 years of flying experience, was described as a mentor to younger pilots. First Officer Lee Truitt of Albuquerque, known for his calm under pressure, had been with UPS for nearly a decade. Captain Dana Diamond, serving as International Relief Officer, had logged flights across five continents and was celebrated for her dedication to training and international operations.
“They weren’t just colleagues — they were family,” said fellow pilot Mark Holloway. “When something like this happens, it hits us all.”
The NTSB’s final report could take months to complete, but investigators promise transparency throughout the process. In the meantime, UPS and local officials continue to offer grief counseling and support to the victims’ families and colleagues.
As Louisville mourns, tributes continue to pour in from across the aviation world — reminders that behind every uniform are lives dedicated to connecting others safely across the skies.
In Memory of:
- Captain Richard Wartenberg
- First Officer Lee Truitt
- Captain Dana Diamond
Gone too soon, but forever remembered for their courage, professionalism, and love of flight.
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