NTSB confirms 'persistent bell' heard on cockpit voice recorder in Louisville UPS crash

WASHINGTON, DC: The voice recorder in the cockpit captured the continuous sound of a bell for 25 seconds as pilots struggled for control before the UPS cargo plane crash this week, according to a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

This persistent alarm, likely signaling the fire in the engine, started shortly after the crew requested take-off thrust and continued until the recording terminated abruptly at what investigators believe was the final point of impact.

NTSB investigation focuses on cockpit alarm

NTSB member Todd Inman said on Friday, November 7, that the persistent bell began at about 37 seconds after the crew started the call for take-off thrust and continued until the end of the recording, which investigators are considering to be the point of impact while he added “during this time, the crew engaged in efforts to attempt to control the aircraft before the crash.”

There are various alarms, each with its own meaning, but investigators have already determined there was a fire in the left wing of the plane.

Officials said they would look into flight data for a better understanding of what was happening in the lead-up to the crash. The cockpit recording transcript will be released in the upcoming months as the investigation continues, Inman said. 

Alarm likely sounded after decision to abort takeoff

Former federal crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti told the Associated Press that the bell sound almost certainly indicated the engine fire. 

He added, "It occurred at a point in the takeoff where they were likely past their decision speed to abort the takeoff," saying, "They were likely past their critical decision speed to remain on the runway and stop safely. … They'll need to thoroughly investigate the options the crew may or may not have had."

The crash occurred on Tuesday at the UPS Worldport hub in Louisville. 

Death toll rises to 14 as several remain missing

Amid the NTSB's inquiry into the tragedy, the death toll from the crash increased to 14 on Friday, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, after an additional victim was discovered at the crash site. 

The fatalities include the three crew members aboard the UPS plane, Capt Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt Dana Diamond, along with an unspecified number of individuals on the ground. Authorities anticipate that more victims will be located as the search of the wreckage continues.

The MD-11 freighter had taken off with 38,000 gallons of fuel and hit two buildings: the UPS facility and a petroleum recycling building. The collision at the recycling site triggered the explosion of oil-filled containers.