20 Nov 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET
We continue to grieve for the lives lost in the tragic accident involving Flight 2976. Before the FAA issued its Emergency Airworthiness Directive for all MD-11 operators, UPS proactively grounded its MD-11 fleet out of an abundance of caution. We appreciate the National Transportation Safety Board’s prompt release of preliminary findings and will fully support the investigation through its conclusion.
12 Nov 2025 at 1:40 p.m. ET
The Jefferson County coroner has now identified all those who tragically lost their lives in the Flight 2976 accident and has notified their families. We honour them and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones at this exceedingly difficult time.
We appreciate the dedication and compassion shown by the coroner’s office throughout this process.
7 Nov 2025 at 11:45 p.m. ET
Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety, we have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet. MD-11s are approximately 9% of the UPS Airlines fleet. The grounding is effective immediately. We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.
Contingency plans are in place to ensure we can continue to deliver the reliable service our customers around the world count on.
6 Nov 2025 at 3:47 p.m. ET UPS Flight 2976 Crewmember Statement
Statement from Nando Cesarone, UPS Executive Vice President, U.S. & UPS Airlines
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 accident. It is with great sorrow that we share the names of the UPS pilots on board UPS Flight 2976. Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond were operating the flight.
Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our Louisville community – supporting you and ensuring you receive the care and resources you need is our priority.
This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family, and as our CEO, Carol Tomé reminded us: ‘United, we are strong.’
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleagues, and to the loved ones of those in the Louisville community.
5 Nov 2025 at 7:45 p.m. ET
Earlier today, UPS CEO Carol Tomé sent the following message to UPS employees to honour all who have been impacted by the Flight 2976 tragedy.
We continue to work with the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) and local authorities as they investigate. NTSB is responsible for the investigation and will be the primary source of information as updates are available.
Our hearts continue to be with all who have been impacted. We have received an outpouring of support from around the world – we deeply appreciate every prayer and word of encouragement.
We will release more facts as they become available.
Here is what Carol shared with UPS employees.
To my UPS Family:
We have suffered a tragic accident involving Flight 2976. We are deeply saddened and our hearts continue to be with all who have been impacted. We will keep them in our hearts as we continue our commitment to safety, care and community.
I am incredibly grateful to our team in Louisville for their grace and professionalism. We are not alone in this moment and from the notes I have received from around the world, I know that solidarity and empathy are powerful forces in healing. United, we are strong.
Please share this message with your teams and join me in honouring all who have been impacted and all who responded to this tragedy. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you,
Carol
5 Nov 2025 at 8:45 a.m. ET
UPS’ Second Day Air sort today at Worldport has been cancelled. Hub and Ramp employees on the Second Day Air sort should not report to work.
Family members seeking information should call 800-631-0604.
4 Nov 2025 at 9:30 p.m. ET
We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.
We are engaged with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation of the accident and are staying in close contact with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts.
As a result of the accident, we are halting parcel sorting operations tonight at Worldport.
Family members seeking information should call 800-631-0604.
4 Nov 2025 at 5:45 p.m. ET
At approximately 5:20 p.m. ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.
UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation.
Family members seeking information should call 800-631-0604.