The number of fatalities from the UPS cargo plane that burst into flames and plummeted has risen to 13, per recent reports.
Mayor's Remarks
“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a thirteenth victim that died as a result of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” stated the city mayor in a public communication. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, companions and peers of all who were lost in this recently occurred tragedy. We will endure this as one.”
Casualties Identified
A statement from UPS named the pilots operating the jet as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts reach out to all staff member who has been touched and all in our local community – assisting you and ensuring you receive the support and assistance you need is our priority,” the company’s statement expressed.
Investigation Details
National authorities disclosed that the freight aircraft’s port side wing burst into flames and an motor separated just after departure from the aviation hub, causing the aircraft to crash and burst into a fireball.
The NTSB has said it is investigating the jet’s upkeep logs, that was in Texas for fixes weeks ahead of the crash.
Flight tracking data showed the plane was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from the start of last month to 18 October.
“We are aware that this jet was located in San Antonio,” said an NTSB member on later, not giving a exact date range. “We will review each aspect of maintenance that was performed, from the repair period, straight to the time of the journey.”
Retrieval of Key Components
The audio device and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was located on the airfield.
The recorders – called black boxes – were built to survive crash impacts and severe temperatures from fires, and they looked to be in one piece when discovered amid the crash debris. Investigators plan on examining information from the recorders.
The plane’s last flight details showed an altitude of 475 feet and a speed of that speed before the crash.
Maintenance History
Per aviation authority documents dated last month, a fracture on a structural piece in the fuel container needed repairs.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it provides aircraft servicing for the carrier’s jet and manages a service location in Texas, chose not to speak, but stated it would assist completely when investigators approached it.
Operations Resume
At the same time, the hub operations continued that evening with its Next Day Air or nighttime process, representative the company official stated. The three runways at the airport were likewise reopened.
The sorting center in the city is the organization’s biggest. The center employs over a large number of people in the area, manages numerous flights daily and processes more than 400,000 items each hour.
Local Support
A gathering was held on the night of 6 November by the local Teamsters Union, which supports staff at the airfield, the company’s primary air cargo hub.
Worker representatives, which stands for employees, began the vigil with a period of reflection at the evening hour, the approximate hour of the crash previously.
“This event was so sudden, so unforeseen,” the official addressed the crowd of attendees. “No one had a chance to part to each of those who we have mourned.”
