The tally of fatalities from the freight aircraft that caught fire and crashed has reached 13, per official reports.
Official's Statement
While en route to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I learned of a additional fatality that passed away as a result of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” expressed the city mayor in a public communication. “My prayers is with the loved ones, companions and co-workers of all who were killed in this recent calamity. We will overcome this together.”
Casualties Confirmed
A statement from the company named the officers on board the aircraft as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts reach out to each staff member who has been impacted and everyone in our Louisville community – supporting you and making sure you receive the support and aid you need is our focus,” the company’s statement stated.
Investigation Details
Federal officials revealed that the freight aircraft’s port side wing caught fire and an power plant detached soon after departure from the aviation hub, resulting in the jet to plummet and burst into a blaze.
The safety agency announced it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, which was in Texas for repairs several weeks prior to the crash.
Flight tracking records revealed the plane was on the runway in that location from the start of last month to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was there in the facility,” said an investigator on the following day, without providing a precise date range. “We will look at each aspect of repairs that was completed, even the repair time, right up to the day of the journey.”
Recovery of Critical Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the engine was found on the tarmac.
The devices – called data containers – were constructed to survive collision damage and severe heat from fires, and they looked to be undamaged when located amid the remains. Authorities plan on reviewing information from the recorders.
Jet’s concluding recorded information showed an altitude of 475 ft and a rate of 210 miles per hour prior to the impact.
Maintenance Record
Based on Federal Aviation Administration records from that date, a fissure on a structural piece inside the center wing fuel tank needed maintenance.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which stated it offers airframe maintenance for the company’s jet and runs a repair facility in that city, refused to provide remarks, but expressed it would cooperate fully when officials contacted it.
Activities Continue
Meanwhile, the facility activities resumed last night with its express or evening process, official the company official said. All three landing strips at the aviation hub were also open again.
The sorting center in this location is the company’s most significant. The facility engages over a large number of workers in the locality, handles numerous flights each day and processes over four hundred thousand packages per hour.
Community Support
A memorial was organized on the evening of that date by the regional Teamsters Union, which acts for workers at the aviation hub, the company’s biggest shipping facility.
Worker representatives, which stands for employees, commenced the memorial with a period of reflection at that time, the approximate time of the accident previously.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the official spoke to the crowd of 200. “No one had a opportunity to bid farewell to any one of those who we have said farewell to.”
