THE fiery final seconds of a doomed UPS cargo plane have been revealed in chilling new footage showing an engine tearing away from the wing just after takeoff.

The left engine and pylon are seen separating from UPS Flight 2976 before flying over the wing as flames burst from the aircraft.

A UPS plane on a runway with its engine engulfed in flames and smoke during takeoff.
New footage shows the terrifying moment a UPS cargo plane’s engine tore away during takeoff in LouisvilleCredit: YouTube/NTSBgov
 

Smoke from a plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The video shows the left engine and its pylon breaking away from the wing seconds after rotationCredit: Getty
The cargo plane crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4, 2025, killing 15 people.

The Boeing MD-11F had just taken off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport when disaster struck.

Newly released surveillance footage shown by the National Transportation Safety Board captured the horrifying moment the engine detached.

The video shows the left engine and its pylon breaking away from the wing seconds after rotation.

The engine then appears to fly up and over the wing as fire erupts around the aircraft.

Moments later, the plane crashed near the airport in a massive fireball.

UPS plane lifting off a runway during a doomed takeoff.
The cargo plane crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4, 2025, killing 15 peopleCredit: YouTube/NTSBgov
 

Plumes of smoke rising from a cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The NTSB’s probe has centered on fatigue cracks found in a critical part connecting the engine pylon to the wingCredit: AP
All three crew members on board were killed.

Twelve people on the ground also died in the crash.

The plane had been operating as UPS Flight 2976 and was bound for Honolulu, Hawaii.

Federal investigators are now focusing on why the engine mount failed.

The NTSB’s probe has centered on fatigue cracks found in a critical part connecting the engine pylon to the wing.

Investigators have also examined whether problems with the component had been flagged years before the deadly crash.

The crash has prompted fresh scrutiny of Boeing, UPS, maintenance records, and FAA oversight.

The FAA later issued emergency airworthiness directives requiring inspections of MD-11 and DC-10 series planes.

The crash tore through part of Louisville’s industrial area and left families across the city grieving.

Among those killed was three-year-old Kimberly Asa.

Her grandfather, Lou Fedon, 47, also died as a result of the crash.

Family members said the pair were inseparable and described them as “best friends.”

Three employees of Grade A Auto were also among the victims.

They were identified as John Loucks, 52, Trina Chavez, 37, and Megan Washburn, 35.

Chavez was later identified by Mayor Craig Greenberg as a mother of two.

Greenberg said officials believe all missing people have now been accounted for.

He said the death toll is not expected to rise further.

Officials said that based on missing-person reports from families, they do not believe more remains will be found.

The NTSB hearing also heard that the crash followed a catastrophic mechanical failure during takeoff.

The agency has said the aircraft’s left engine and pylon separated before the plane went down.

The fiery footage has now become a key part of the investigation into one of the deadliest crashes in UPS history.

Federal investigators are expected to continue examining the plane’s maintenance history, aircraft design, and prior warnings before issuing a final report.