3 Pilots Killed in Fiery UPS Plane Crash Missing Mother of Two Feared Among Victims
A devastating tragedy struck Kentucky this week when a UPS cargo plane burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing all three pilots on board and leaving a local mother of two feared dead on the ground.
3 UPS Pilots Identified
UPS confirmed the heartbreaking loss in an official statement Thursday, identifying the three crew members as Capt. Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond.
“Words can’t express the sorrow we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 accident,” the company said.
“This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family, and as our CEO, Carol Tomé, reminded us: ‘United, we are strong.’”
Missing Mother of Two Believed to Be Among Victims
Authorities also believe that Angela “Angie” Anderson, a 45-year-old mother of two, may be among the victims killed when the UPS Flight 2976 slammed into the ground near a local auto recycling facility.
Anderson had been at Grade A Auto Parts & Scrap Metal Recycling — just south of the airport — when the plane came down. Her boyfriend, Donald Henderson, 55, told local outlet WDRB that she had gone to drop off some scrap metal from their home just minutes before the crash.
“She wanted to take it, get rid of it, and I was like, ‘Go ahead,’” Henderson said tearfully.
“I was too tired to go with her — and now I regret that with all my heart. She’s all I got.”
Friends and Family Cling to Hope
Friends and relatives have been pleading for updates as search and recovery teams continue working at the crash site.
Angel O’Rafferty, one of Anderson’s closest friends, wrote an emotional post on Facebook:
“Angela Anderson!!! I love you with all my heart. PLEASE GOD bring her to safety along with the others that have not been found from the plane wreck in Louisville, Kentucky.”
According to her, Anderson arrived at the scrapyard at 5:11 p.m., and the plane crashed at 5:12 p.m. — just one minute later.
“She hasn’t been heard from since,” O’Rafferty added. “Please keep these people in your prayers.”
Fiery Crash Captured on Video
Authorities say the UPS jet was carrying nearly 50,000 gallons of jet fuel when it took off from the runway. Witness footage showed the plane’s left engine engulfed in flames as it attempted to lift off — before it descended rapidly and exploded upon impact.
The fiery wreck sent plumes of black smoke billowing over the Louisville skyline, with emergency responders rushing to the scene within minutes.
As investigators continue to search for answers, families are left grieving an unthinkable loss — three dedicated aviators and a beloved mother who happened to be in the wrong place at the worst possible time.
