Audio reveals UPS plane crash sparked 911 calls reporting 'large explosion' and 'black smoke'

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: The UPS cargo plane crash is now considered one of the major aviation disasters of 2025. Audio recordings capture 911 calls describing a “large explosion” and “black smoke” moments after the deadly crash.

According to The Herald-Leader, airport personnel were among the first to respond over the radio on Tuesday, November 4. The death toll has now risen to 14.

Patrons at Stooges Bar & Grill witnessed the horrific crash. The MD-11 took off carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel and struck two buildings: a UPS facility and a petroleum recycling site. The impact at the recycling site caused oil-filled containers to explode.

Audio reveals chaos after deadly Kentucky UPS cargo plane crash

Newly released audio reveals the chaos that erupted moments after a UPS cargo plane slammed into an industrial park. The deadly crash occurred on Tuesday, November 4.

Radio traffic obtained by the Herald-Leader begins with an urgent alert announcing that “the airfield is closed” to all other pilots after the crash.

Moments later, a Louisville Fire Department dispatcher reported, “Be advised, there has been a large explosion off Fern Valley Road by the airport, lots of black smoke.” Fire crews reached the scene within two minutes and said 911 calls were pouring in about a plane crash. By the three-minute mark, first responders realized the situation was severe and requested help from nearby departments.

By 5:20 pm, about seven minutes after the explosion tore through buildings near the airport, police and fire crews were flooding radio channels with updates as they tried to regain control of the situation.

The call volume became so heavy that one dispatcher had to ask whether all the smoke reports should be handled together instead of individually, according to the Herald-Leader.

Fire erupted from left wing as UPS cargo jet crashed

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that a large burst of fire came from the area around the left wing as the MD-11 touched down. One of the aircraft’s three engines broke off during the impact.

UPS later confirmed that the three crew members on board, Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, were operating the flight. All three were killed in the crash.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the aircraft had required urgent repairs to its fuel tank back in September. Flight data also shows the jet remained grounded in San Antonio, Texas, for maintenance from September 3 until at least October 18.