UPS identifies 3 pilots killed in Louisville plane crash as search for victims continues
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: The three UPS pilots killed in this week’s fiery plane crash near Louisville have been identified as authorities continue searching for additional victims believed to be on the ground, including a local mother of two.
UPS confirmed Thursday, November 6, that Capt Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt Dana Diamond were the crew members aboard UPS Flight 2976, which went down Tuesday evening just south of Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Officials recover black box as UPS crash death toll rises
“Words can’t express the sorrow we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 accident,” UPS said in a statement. “This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family, and as our CEO, Carol Tome, reminded us: ‘United, we are strong.’”
The cargo plane, which was carrying roughly 50,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames shortly after takeoff. Witnesses captured shocking dashcam footage showing the jet’s left engine engulfed in fire before the aircraft descended and exploded into a massive fireball moments later.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the aircraft’s black box and is investigating the cause of the fire. Officials confirmed that at least 13 people were killed, including a child who was with a parent at a nearby car parts business.
Mother of two missing after deadly UPS plane crash
Among those feared dead is Angela “Angie” Anderson, 45, a mother of two who was at the Grade A Auto Parts & Scrap Metal Recycling facility when the plane crashed. Her boyfriend, Donald Henderson, told WDRB that Anderson had gone to drop off scrap metal from their home just minutes before the disaster.
“She wanted to take it, get rid of it, and I was like, ‘Go, go ahead.’ So she took off,” Henderson said, recalling their final exchange. “She’s all I got,” he added tearfully.
Anderson’s friend, Angel O’Rafferty, pleaded for her safe return in a Facebook post. “Angela Anderson!!! I love you with all my heart. PLEASE GOD bring her to safety along with the others that have not been found from The Plane Wreck in Louisville, Kentucky,” O’Rafferty wrote.
“She arrived at the site where the plane crashed at 5:11 pm, the plane hit at 5:12 pm, and hasn’t been heard from since,” she added.
NTSB probes wreckage as search for victims continues
Emergency crews have continued searching through the wreckage for victims and evidence. The site, now a charred stretch of debris and twisted metal, shows the trail of destruction left by the massive explosion.
Officials say the investigation will focus on the plane’s maintenance history after reports emerged that the jet had been grounded for more than a month earlier this year for critical fuel tank repairs.
Local residents have been urged to stay away from the crash zone as recovery operations continue. The NTSB is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks.
