The number of fatalities due to the freight aircraft that burst into flames and crashed has now climbed to 13, according to recent reports.
Official's Statement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I was informed of a additional fatality that lost their life as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” wrote the local official in a online message. “My heart are with the relatives, friends and colleagues of all who were lost in this week’s tragedy. We will endure this as one.”
Victims Named
An announcement from UPS named the flight crew on board the jet as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts reach out to every UPSer who has been affected and all in our Louisville community – helping you and ensuring you receive the attention and assistance you need is our main concern,” the organization’s communication expressed.
Investigation Findings
National authorities revealed that the freight aircraft’s left wing caught fire and an motor detached shortly after departure from the airfield, leading to the jet to fall and explode into a blaze.
The NTSB has said it is probing the aircraft’s service record, which was in Texas for maintenance several weeks prior to the crash.
Aviation data revealed the aircraft was on the tarmac in that location from the start of last month to mid-October.
“We are cognizant that this aircraft was there in San Antonio,” said an investigator on Thursday, without providing a precise date range. “We will look at each aspect of service that was performed, even the repair period, right up to the date of the trip.”
Findings of Key Components
The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder were recovered, and the engine was located on the runway.
The devices – known as black boxes – were built to endure crash impacts and extreme heat from fires, and they looked to be intact when located among the crash debris. Officials will reviewing recordings from the recorders.
The plane’s final flight details indicated an height of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph ahead of the impact.
Maintenance History
Based on Federal Aviation Administration records dated that date, a crack on a component within the center wing fuel tank demanded repairs.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which stated it offers airframe maintenance for the company’s MD-11 and manages a repair facility in San Antonio, chose not to provide remarks, but expressed it would assist completely when relevant authorities approached it.
Operations Resume
Meanwhile, the hub activities restarted Wednesday night with its express or evening operation, representative Jim Mayer confirmed. All three runways at the aviation hub were additionally open again.
The distribution hub in this location is the company’s largest. The hub employs more than a large number of individuals in the locality, handles numerous aircraft each day and sorts over 400,000 items each hour.
Community Support
A gathering was organized on the evening of recently by the area worker’s group, which represents employees at the aviation hub, the organization’s biggest freight center.
Teamsters Local 89, which supports employees, began the memorial with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the approximate hour of the incident before.
“This tragedy was so unexpected, so surprising,” the official addressed the group of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to say goodbye to any of those who we have mourned.”
