Investigation Underway Following Fatal Plane Crash in Kentucky
An in-depth investigation is underway following a devastating plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of at least 12 lives and left almost 20 people injured. This catastrophic event has led to a temporary closure of the biggest package distribution hub in the area and has caused disruptions to several flights.
Search for Survivors
It has been stated that a few individuals are yet to be accounted for since the plane crash. Search teams are tirelessly working around the clock in the industrial area adjacent to the airport, where the plane crash occurred, in hopes of finding the missing individuals.
Details on the Plane Crash
Early information gathered suggests that the left wing of the plane caught fire during its takeoff roll, causing one of its engines to detach and fall to the ground. The plane, equipped with three engines - one on each wing and another at the tail - should theoretically have been capable of taking off even with one engine rendered inoperable or completely detached. However, it's possible that the plane may have suffered additional damage, preventing a successful takeoff.
Comparisons to a Past Tragic Incident
Experts are drawing parallels between this crash and another from nearly half a century ago, which took place at an airport in Chicago, leading to the death of 273 people. Similarly, in the past crash, the engine had detached from the airplane. The root cause of that incident was identified as flawed maintenance of the aircraft.
Investigations into the recent crash will delve into the aircraft's maintenance history, along with a thorough examination of the engines and other parts. It has been made clear that there were no delays to the flight due to maintenance issues before takeoff.
Planes' Struggle Captured
Videos indicate that the plane struggled to ascend while flames engulfed its left side. The plane, destined for Honolulu and fully fuelled, ripped through the roof of a building before being consumed by the fire. The fully loaded fuel acted as a catalyst, intensifying the fire and the destruction. It remains uncertain whether the pilot was aware of the fire outbreak during takeoff, and if they were, aborting the takeoff could have posed its own risks.
The Aftermath of the Crash
The crash site is an area filled with scrap yards and package handling facilities. The plane narrowly evaded a bar-restaurant and crashed not too far from a car assembly plant, where hundreds of workers were present. According to fire officials, the fire engulfed nearly a city block and caused significant damage to the plane's body.
Impact on Operations
Operations at the major package sorting facility in Louisville have been suspended due to the incident. The extent of the disruption on shipping operations remains uncertain. However, commercial passenger flights at the local international airport have resumed, although with only one runway operational initially.
