Two weeks after the deadly crash of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, city officials, state leaders and UPS executives offered the most expansive public update yet.
The update detailed the investigation’s progress, the effects on the environment and the resources now available to victims and impacted businesses.
It was also the first time that UPS Airlines President Bill Moore addressed the public in the wake of the Nov. 4 disaster, which claimed 14 lives and caused a large fire and fuel leak over a section of industrial properties south of the airport.
“I want to express how deeply saddened I am, as well as our entire community about flight 2976. My words cannot describe how painful it has been over the last two weeks,” Moore said Tuesday. He confirmed UPS has been directly supporting the victims’ families, “including financial” assistance.
What investigators currently know
Within seconds of takeoff, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 experienced catastrophic problems, according to new information made public by the National Transportation Safety Board.
As pilots issued their customary speed callouts, the takeoff roll proceeded normally, said to Todd Inman, an NTSB representative. The Cockpit Voice Recorder recorded a “repeating bell” sound approximately 37 seconds after takeoff thrust was supplied. This sound persisted until the recording terminated 25 seconds later, which is thought to be the moment of impact.
“After being cleared for takeoff, a large plume of fire in the area of the left wing occurred during takeoff roll. The plane lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear the fence at the end of runway 17R,” Inman said. “Shortly after clearing that fence, it made impact with structures and terrain off the airport property. A post-impact fire ensued, which covered approximately, almost a half of a mile.”
Investigators have reviewed airport security video showing the left engine detaching during takeoff.
Although the 34-year-old aircraft underwent significant maintenance in San Antonio this fall — including repair of a cracked fuel tank and corrosion in the cargo area — Inman said there is currently no evidence that the maintenance delays or repairs contributed to the crash.
The NTSB has retrieved extensive records, and a written transcript of the CVR audio may still be months away.
Environmental cleanup: 95% contained
Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District reported major progress in removing contaminated runoff.
Tony Parrott, executive director of MSD, said “about 95%” of the oil runoff has been captured.
“That equates to approximately 880,000 gallons of oily liquids and other runoff that have been removed from waterways in southwest Louisville,” Parrott said. “I think, is very important for the community to understand that it’s a very complex operation.”
Following the accident, there was more than three feet of standing oil in some areas of the crash site, according to city officials.
As testing continues, MSD’s warning to residents of southern Jefferson County to stay away from waterways is still in force.
Additionally, a damaged gas pipeline along Grade Lane is being replaced by LG&E workers; the job is expected to take several weeks.
Support for victims and the community
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said more than $500,000 has been raised for families of the victims, workers whose jobs were disrupted, and residents affected by the crash.
The Louisville Orchestra will hold a free tribute concert on Thursday.
The UPS Community Resource Center at 200 High Rise Drive continues to offer assistance such as counseling, job resources, and help for those injured.
Federal loan assistance for businesses
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request for a Disaster Declaration, opening access to Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses affected by the crash in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties.
“This catastrophic crash took the lives of 14 of our people and devastated area businesses that support good jobs and provide services Kentuckians depend on,” Beshear said.
“In every challenge we face, we act quickly to get the support our people need to overcome. These small business loans will help businesses – and our people – recover, which is the support the Louisville community needs and deserves right now.”
Businesses have until Aug. 17, 2026, to apply through the SBA’s online portal or at the UPS Community Resource Center.
This article appears in Nov. 1-30, 2025.