The number of lives lost resulting from the freight aircraft that caught fire and crashed has now reached 13, per official announcements.
Mayor's Statement
Traveling to the Union’s vigil, I received word of a 13th person that lost their life as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” stated the city mayor in a public communication. “My thoughts are with the loved ones, associates and peers of all who were killed in this week’s calamity. We will endure this together.”
Casualties Confirmed
An announcement from UPS named the officers operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts are extended to every employee who has been affected and all in our local area – assisting you and making sure you receive the support and aid you need is our focus,” the organization’s communication expressed.
Inquiry Findings
Federal investigators revealed that the freight aircraft’s left wing ignited and an engine fell off soon after liftoff from the airfield, causing the aircraft to fall and burst into a fireball.
The safety agency has said it is examining the aircraft’s service record, that was in the state for fixes a period ahead of the incident.
Aviation data indicated the jet was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from the start of last month to last week.
“We are aware that this plane was there in the facility,” said an official on the following day, without providing a specific time frame. “We will review all elements of maintenance that was performed, from the Texas visit, all the way to the day of the flight.”
Findings of Vital Components
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was discovered on the runway.
The units – known as data containers – were constructed to endure crash impacts and severe fire from blazes, and they appeared to be undamaged when found within the remains. Officials intend to analyzing recordings from the devices.
The plane’s final recorded information displayed an height of 475 ft and a velocity of that speed ahead of the crash.
Repair Record
According to FAA files dated that date, a crack on a component in the center wing fuel tank needed repairs.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which indicated it provides aircraft servicing for UPS’s jet and manages a service location in San Antonio, refused to comment, but said it would cooperate fully when relevant authorities reached out it.
Activities Restart
At the same time, UPS Worldport activities continued last night with its Next Day Air or night sort procedure, spokesperson Jim Mayer stated. All three tarmacs at the airport were additionally back in operation.
The sorting center in this location is the organization’s most significant. The center engages more than a large number of workers in the area, manages numerous aircraft each day and processes in excess of a huge volume of packages an hour.
Public Support
A memorial was conducted on the evening of that date by the area Teamsters Union, which acts for workers at the airfield, the organization’s primary shipping facility.
Worker representatives, which stands for UPS workers, began the memorial with a period of reflection at that time, the estimated moment of the accident previously.
“This event was so sudden, so surprising,” the leader spoke to the group of 200. “No one had a opportunity to part to any one of those who we have said farewell to.”
