A UPS Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft transformed into a raging inferno during an emergency landing at Louisville International Airport, with dramatic footage capturing the terrifying moment flames engulfed the aircraft.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Friday when the massive freighter, operating as UPS Flight 6 from Louisville to Philadelphia, was forced to return to its departure airport shortly after takeoff.
Mid-Flight Emergency Declaration
According to aviation authorities, the crew declared an emergency approximately 15 minutes into the flight, reporting smoke in the cockpit. The pilot immediately initiated an emergency return procedure, aiming for a safe landing back at Louisville.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show the dramatic scene as the aircraft approached the runway with visible flames trailing from the main landing gear area.
Runway Inferno
The situation escalated rapidly upon touchdown, with the aircraft becoming completely enveloped in fire and thick black smoke billowing across the airfield. Emergency services responded immediately, deploying multiple firefighting units to combat the intense blaze.
Despite the terrifying visuals and severity of the fire, miraculously both crew members aboard managed to evacuate safely and were transported to hospital for evaluation.
Airport Operations Disrupted
The incident caused significant disruption to airport operations, with multiple flights being diverted to alternative airports. Louisville International Airport authorities confirmed that emergency protocols were successfully activated, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
UPS released a statement confirming they were "aware of an incident involving one of our aircraft" and that the safety of their crew members was their primary concern. The company has pledged full cooperation with investigating authorities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to Louisville to begin what is expected to be a thorough investigation into this alarming aviation incident.
