Federal officials have released preliminary findings after a UPS cargo plane suffered a catastrophic malfunction shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident has left several people dead and prompted a major investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Early reports indicate that one of the aircraft’s engines detached during takeoff, causing the plane to lose control and crash just beyond the runway. The aircraft was quickly engulfed in flames as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Officials have since confirmed multiple fatalities, including crew members and individuals near the crash site.

Investigators are now examining video footage, flight data, and recovered aircraft parts to determine what led to the failure. The NTSB says it will take time to analyze the evidence, but mechanical issues, maintenance errors, and structural fatigue are among the possible causes being reviewed.

Louisville’s mayor held a press conference expressing condolences to the victims’ families and praising the first responders who worked through intense heat and hazardous conditions to contain the fires and recover evidence.

Community members have gathered at a reunification center set up by local authorities to assist affected families. Crisis counselors and support services remain on site as officials continue identifying victims.

Witnesses described seeing the plane flying unusually low before a loud explosion shook nearby neighborhoods. “It looked like it was struggling to stay up,” said one local resident. “Then it just went down, and the fire was everywhere.”

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives have joined the NTSB investigation, focusing on the aircraft’s maintenance records and the possibility of prior warnings or irregularities.

Officials emphasized that updates will be shared as more details emerge, urging the public to avoid speculation while the formal investigation continues into one of Louisville’s worst aviation tragedies.