The tally of victims resulting from the freight aircraft which caught fire and went down has now risen to 13, according to recent reports.
Mayor's Statement
Traveling to the Union’s vigil, I was informed of a 13th person that died as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” wrote the city mayor in a online message. “My thoughts are with the relatives, companions and co-workers of all who were taken in this recently occurred disaster. We will overcome this together.”
Deceased Confirmed
An announcement from UPS identified the officers operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been affected and everyone in our Louisville area – supporting you and ensuring you receive the support and aid you need is our priority,” the company’s message stated.
Probe Findings
Government officials announced that the UPS cargo plane’s port side wing ignited and an motor separated just after takeoff from the airfield, causing the jet to plummet and burst into a blaze.
The National Transportation Safety Board has said it is examining the plane’s maintenance history, that was in Texas for maintenance a period prior to the incident.
Flight tracking data indicated the jet was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from the start of last month to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this jet was present in San Antonio,” stated an investigator on the following day, without providing a precise period. “We will review all elements of service that was completed, from the Texas time, right up to the date of the flight.”
Recovery of Key Items
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were found, and the motor was discovered on the tarmac.
The recorders – referred to as data containers – were constructed to endure accident forces and extreme fire from fires, and they looked to be intact when discovered among the crash debris. Officials plan on analyzing data from the recorders.
The plane’s last recorded information showed an altitude of that level and a velocity of 210 miles per hour ahead of the impact.
Maintenance Record
Per aviation authority records dated 18 September, a crack on a part in the center wing fuel tank required maintenance.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it provides airframe maintenance for the company’s aircraft and runs a service location in that city, declined to provide remarks, but expressed it would assist completely when relevant authorities contacted it.
Operations Continue
In the meantime, UPS Worldport activities restarted last night with its express or night sort operation, official Jim Mayer said. All three landing strips at the airport were also back in operation.
The distribution hub in this location is the company’s most significant. The facility employs over twenty thousand workers in the locality, manages three hundred flights per day and processes in excess of 400,000 packages each hour.
Public Support
A memorial was conducted on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area labor union, which acts for staff at the aviation hub, the company’s biggest air cargo hub.
The union chapter, which supports staff, commenced the gathering with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the estimated time of the crash two days earlier.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the official addressed the assembly of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to part to any of those who we have lost.”
