Moment plane’s engine erupts into fireball before deadly Kentucky crash that killed 15

Horrific new footage shows the moment a plane burst into huge flames as the cause of a deadly crash that killed 15 people is being investigated by officials

Horrifying new footage reveals the moment a plane erupted into flames in a fatal crash that claimed 15 lives.

The video has surfaced as The National Transportation Safety Board is probing the cause of the lethal crash, which took place on November 4, 2025, in Kentucky.

During takeoff at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the engine and pylon of the UPS jet detached from the aircraft’s wing, resulting in the deaths of three crew members and 12 individuals on the ground.

At the time of the incident, the jet, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was 34 years old and en route to Hawaii.

The footage captures the instant a fireball engulfs the vehicle, leaving behind a vast field of debris.

In the aftermath of the crash, all MD-11s were grounded by the FAA for several months.

This week, the NTSB is conducting a hearing in Washington to investigate the cause of the collision.

The victims on the ground have been identified as Angela Anderson, 45, Carlos Fernandez, 52, Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37, Tony Crain, 65, John Loucks, 52, John Spray, 45, Matthew Sweets, 37, Ella Petty Whorton, 31, Megan Washburn, 35, Louisnes Fedon, 47, and his 3 year old granddaughter Kimberly Asa.

Alain Rodriguez Colina, who sustained severe injuries in the crash, passed away due to his injuries on Christmas Day.

UPS identified its employees Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57, First Officer Lee Truitt, 45, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond, 62, as the three crew members aboard the ill-fated flight.

When the incident occurred, it was reported that the plane was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel when it crashed.

Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas stated: “Really the plane itself is almost acting like a bomb because of the amount of fuel.”

The blaze engulfed the colossal aircraft and spread to neighbouring businesses.

Hundreds of firefighters worked through the night to combat the fire over “a massive area” and searched for possible victims.