NTSB Releases Images Showing Fire and Engine Separation in UPS Plane Crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — November 21, 2025 — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new images from the investigation into the UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 5, which claimed the lives of all 14 people on board. The photographs provide a detailed look at the engine separation and subsequent fire that occurred during the aircraft’s takeoff.

According to authorities, the images show the right engine detached from the wing, with visible damage to the pylon that connected the engine to the aircraft. The fire that followed the engine separation is also captured in the photos, illustrating the severity of the incident.

The UPS plane, a Boeing 747-400F, was departing Louisville when the right engine failed and separated from the wing. The NTSB report indicates that the failure originated from a fracture in a critical engine component, which led to the engine tearing away from the aircraft. This catastrophic failure resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent crash.

Investigators have been examining the engine’s internal parts to determine the exact cause of the fracture. While the NTSB has not yet released a final report, preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure within the engine’s fan disk assembly.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, and emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene. Despite efforts to control the fire and rescue survivors, all 14 crew members aboard the cargo flight were killed.

The NTSB has emphasized the importance of these new images in understanding the sequence of events leading to the accident. Officials said the photos will assist in refining safety recommendations and preventing similar incidents in the future.

UPS has expressed condolences to the families of those lost and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The company also confirmed it has temporarily grounded other aircraft with the same engine type as a precautionary measure.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing the NTSB’s findings and considering potential airworthiness directives related to the engine model involved in the crash.

This accident marks one of the deadliest cargo plane crashes in recent years and has raised concerns about engine inspection protocols and maintenance standards for large commercial aircraft.

The NTSB plans to release a comprehensive report once the investigation is complete, which is expected to include detailed analysis of the engine failure, aircraft performance, and crew response.

In the meantime, the agency continues to collect and analyze data from flight recorders, maintenance logs, and witness statements to build a complete picture of the tragedy.

The Louisville community and aviation industry are closely monitoring developments as efforts continue to improve flight safety and prevent future accidents of this nature.