Satellite photos show before and after UPS plane crash in Louisville
Photos from a satellite imaging company show the difference in the area where a UPS plane crash in Louisville before and after the incident.
The photos, taken by Vantor about 18 hours after the crash, show a 90-meter scar on top of a UPS warehouse next to the airport, a large path of debris about a half-mile long and burned vehicles and pavement from the wake of the fiery crash.
Two businesses, GFL Environmental and Grade A Auto Parts, both located south of UPS Worldport, were “hit pretty directly,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, killing at least 13 people, including three UPS crew members, and injuring several others. National Transportation Safety Board Member Todd Inman said Wednesday airport video showed the left engine of the MD-11 McDonnell Douglas aircraft detaching not long after take off.
“After being cleared for takeoff, a large plume of fire in the area of the left wing occurred during the takeoff roll,” Inman said. “The plane lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear the fence at the end of runway 17 R. Shortly after clearing that fence, it made impact with structures and the terrain off of the airport property. A post impact fire ensued.”
Nine people believed to have been in the area when the plane crashes are still missing, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Thursday. The victims that have been found were located on top of the debris or easily visible, and search and rescue teams are now “delayering” the debris to try to find other possible victims.
The 12 known victims, who have not been identified, have been taken to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office for identification. A large team of NTSB officials arrived Wednesday and are conducting a multipronged investigation into the crash.
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 1:54 PM.
