The total count of lives lost from the freight aircraft that burst into flames and went down has climbed to 13, as confirmed by recent statements.
Mayor's Statement
While en route to the Teamsters’ vigil, I received word of a thirteenth victim that passed away as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” stated the municipal leader in a online message. “My thoughts are with the loved ones, associates and peers of all who were lost in this week’s tragedy. We will get through this collectively.”
Casualties Confirmed
A statement from UPS listed the pilots on board the jet as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts reach out to each employee who has been touched and all in our community community – assisting you and making sure you get the support and resources you need is our priority,” the company’s message stated.
Investigation Findings
Government investigators revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s wing ignited and an motor detached just after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, causing the aircraft to plummet and burst into a inferno.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is examining the plane’s service record, that was in the state for maintenance weeks ahead of the crash.
Aircraft data revealed the plane was on the tarmac in that location from 3 September to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was present in San Antonio,” remarked an NTSB member on later, without a exact period. “We will look at each aspect of maintenance that was done, even the repair visit, straight to the date of the trip.”
Recovery of Vital Components
The audio device and data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was found on the tarmac.
The recorders – called data containers – were designed to withstand collision damage and intense fire from blazes, and they appeared to be intact when discovered within the remains. Investigators intend to examining recordings from the recorders.
The plane’s last flight details indicated an altitude of 475 ft and a rate of 210 mph before the crash.
Maintenance History
Per aviation authority records from 18 September, a fracture on a component within the fuel container required repairs.
The company ST Engineering, which indicated it provides structural repairs for the carrier’s aircraft and operates a maintenance center in San Antonio, refused to comment, but stated it would cooperate fully when officials approached it.
Services Continue
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport operations resumed Wednesday night with its Next Day Air or evening operation, official the company official said. All three landing strips at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were also back in operation.
The sorting center in Louisville is the firm’s most significant. The facility employs more than twenty thousand people in the area, manages 300 trips daily and sorts over 400,000 packages per hour.
Local Support
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the evening of 6 November by the local labor union, which represents staff at the airfield, the firm’s largest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which stands for UPS workers, began the vigil with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the approximate hour of the incident before.
“This tragedy was so sudden, so unexpected,” the leader told the assembly of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to part to each of those who we have lost.”
