A 15th victim has died from injuries sustained in the crash of a UPS cargo plane at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.
Governor Confirms Latest Fatality
Beshear said Alain Rodriguez Colina succumbed to his injuries weeks after the Nov. 4 crash, bringing the total number of deaths to 15. He offered condolences to the victims’ families, urging the public to keep them in their prayers.
Crash During Takeoff
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was departing Louisville for Honolulu when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Investigators said the plane rose only about 30 feet before going down in a fiery impact near airport facilities.
Engine Failure Identified
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft’s left engine and pylon separated from the wing during takeoff, igniting a fire that continued until ground impact. Preliminary findings indicate the pylon showed signs of fatigue cracking and overstress failure.
Casualties on Board and on the Ground
Officials said all three crew members aboard the plane were killed, along with 11 people on the ground. An additional 23 people on the ground were injured in the crash.
FAA Grounds MD-11 Fleet
Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded all MD-11 aircraft for inspections. About 70 of the planes are currently in service worldwide, primarily operated by UPS, FedEx and Western Global.
Investigation Continues
The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash, with further findings expected as the inquiry progresses.
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