403 UPS MD-11 Crash Analysis + Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro on How to Make Better Landings

E403 - 403 UPS MD-11 Crash Analysis + Dr. Catherine Cavagnaro on How to Make Better Landings

Published: November 7, 2025

Duration: 1:04:32

In this episode of Aviation News Talk, we begin with the developing details surrounding the crash of UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The aircraft, tail number N259UP, was a 34-year-old MD-11F powered by three General Electric CF6-80 engines.

Bystander video shows the left engine separated from the wing, with the wing engulfed in flames as the aircraft lifted off. ADS-B data indicates the aircraft climbed less than 100 feet before beginning a descending, left-turning roll from...