The total count of fatalities from the UPS cargo plane which ignited and crashed has now reached 13, as confirmed by official statements.
City Leader's Announcement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a additional fatality that passed away as a result of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” wrote the city mayor in a online message. “My thoughts is with the families, associates and peers of all who were killed in this recently occurred calamity. We will overcome this as one.”
Deceased Identified
A release from the company identified the flight crew operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies reach out to all staff member who has been touched and all in our community region – helping you and ensuring you get the attention and resources you need is our priority,” the company’s communication expressed.
Investigation Details
Government officials revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s port side wing ignited and an motor detached soon after liftoff from the airfield, resulting in the aircraft to plummet and burst into a inferno.
The NTSB has said it is investigating the aircraft’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance weeks before the crash.
Aircraft data showed the aircraft was on the ground in that location from 3 September to mid-October.
“We are cognizant that this aircraft was present in San Antonio,” said an NTSB member on later, not giving a exact time frame. “We will review each aspect of repairs that was completed, even the Texas period, straight to the date of the journey.”
Findings of Critical Items
The pilot’s recorder and data recorder were retrieved, and the motor was found on the runway.
The devices – referred to as flight recorders – were designed to withstand crash impacts and severe fire from infernos, and they seemed to be intact when found among the wreckage. Authorities will analyzing information from the recorders.
Aircraft’s concluding flight details indicated an altitude of 475 feet and a rate of 210 mph ahead of the impact.
Maintenance Record
Based on FAA documents dated last month, a fracture on a structural piece within the center wing fuel tank needed maintenance.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it supplies aircraft servicing for UPS’s aircraft and runs a repair facility in San Antonio, declined to speak, but stated it would cooperate fully when investigators reached out it.
Activities Continue
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport services restarted Wednesday night with its Next Day Air or evening procedure, representative a representative stated. The three landing strips at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were likewise open again.
The UPS package handling facility in this location is the firm’s most significant. The hub employs in excess of 20,000 people in the region, manages three hundred flights per day and processes in excess of four hundred thousand packages an hour.
Local Reaction
A memorial was conducted on the evening of that date by the local Teamsters Union, which supports workers at the airfield, the firm’s largest shipping facility.
Worker representatives, which supports UPS workers, began the vigil with a moment of silence at the evening hour, the approximate hour of the incident previously.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so surprising,” the mayor spoke to the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to say goodbye to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
