Dramatic photos of dommed UPS plane show the aircraft on fire, engine flying off

Federal investigators have released dramatic surveillance photos detailing the catastrophic moments leading to the crash of UPS Flight 2976, a cargo plane that erupted in flames during takeoff from a Kentucky airport. The chilling sequence, captured by airport video, shows an engine detaching from the aircraft, followed by an immediate fire, before the plane ultimately crashed, killing 14 people.

The images, included in a preliminary report by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), graphically depict the unfolding disaster. One frame shows an engine separating from the left wing, followed by a massive fireball. The blazing engine then appears to propel the stricken aircraft, which briefly becomes airborne, leaving a trail of smoke before its fatal impact near Louisville's airport. This incident draws parallels to the Air France Concorde crash outside Paris in 2000, which also occurred shortly after takeoff.

The NTSB's preliminary investigation points to critical structural issues as a potential cause. The report highlights evidence of cracks found in the left wing’s engine mount, suggesting a possible mechanical failure initiated the catastrophic sequence. Investigators are meticulously examining component pieces of the plane to gather further clues into the precise cause of the Nov. 4 disaster.

The ongoing inquiry aims to determine the root cause to prevent future occurrences in commercial cargo operations. The findings from this investigation will be crucial for the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other global regulators in potentially issuing new directives or maintenance advisories to enhance the safety of similar aircraft types operating worldwide.