The number of fatalities resulting from the freight aircraft which burst into flames and went down has now risen to 13, as confirmed by official reports.
Mayor's Remarks
“On my way to the Teamsters’ vigil, I received word of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” expressed the municipal leader in a social media post. “My prayers are with the families, companions and colleagues of all who were killed in this week’s tragedy. We will overcome this collectively.”
Deceased Confirmed
An announcement from UPS identified the officers operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts reach out to every staff member who has been impacted and everyone in our local area – assisting you and making sure you obtain the support and aid you need is our focus,” the company’s message stated.
Investigation Findings
National authorities revealed that the jet’s wing ignited and an engine fell off shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, causing the plane to fall and explode into a fireball.
The safety agency announced it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, that was in Texas for repairs weeks before the crash.
Aviation data indicated the plane was on the ground in that location from early September to mid-October.
“We are cognizant that this plane was present in San Antonio,” stated an NTSB member on the following day, without providing a specific time frame. “We will examine each aspect of service that was done, including the Texas time, straight to the time of the journey.”
Findings of Vital Evidence
The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder were recovered, and the motor was discovered on the runway.
The recorders – known as black boxes – were designed to endure collision damage and extreme fire from infernos, and they looked to be undamaged when discovered among the wreckage. Investigators plan on analyzing data from the black boxes.
The plane’s final flight details showed an height of 475 feet and a velocity of 210 mph prior to the impact.
Maintenance History
Based on FAA records from that date, a fracture on a component within the center wing fuel tank required maintenance.
The company ST Engineering, which stated it supplies aircraft servicing for UPS’s aircraft and runs a maintenance center in San Antonio, chose not to provide remarks, but expressed it would cooperate fully when investigators reached out it.
Operations Restart
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport operations resumed last night with its express or evening operation, spokesperson Jim Mayer confirmed. The three runways at the airport were likewise reopened.
The sorting center in this location is the organization’s most significant. The facility engages more than a large number of individuals in the area, handles 300 trips per day and organizes in excess of 400,000 packages per hour.
Public Support
A candlelight vigil was organized on the evening of that date by the regional labor union, which acts for staff at the airfield, the organization’s primary shipping facility.
Teamsters Local 89, which represents staff, commenced the memorial with a period of reflection at 5.14pm, the rough moment of the crash two days earlier.
“This incident was so abrupt, so unforeseen,” the mayor addressed the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to part to each of those who we have lost.”
