🔗 Share this article

The total count of lives lost due to the freight aircraft that ignited and plummeted has climbed to 13, according to latest statements.

Official's Announcement

Traveling to the Workers’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a thirteenth victim that passed away as a result of the aircraft crash,” wrote the municipal leader in a public communication. “My heart is with the relatives, associates and co-workers of all who were lost in this week’s calamity. We will overcome this together.”

Deceased Identified

A release from the company listed the officers aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.

“Our thoughts go out to each staff member who has been touched and all in our local community – supporting you and making sure you get the support and resources you need is our focus,” the company’s communication read.

Investigation Findings

National officials revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s wing ignited and an motor separated shortly after departure from the airfield, resulting in the aircraft to crash and explode into a blaze.

The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is investigating the plane’s service record, which was in the state for maintenance a period ahead of the incident.

Aircraft information showed the aircraft was on the ground in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to mid-October.

“We are aware that this aircraft was there in the facility,” said an NTSB member on Thursday, without a specific time frame. “We will look at every piece of maintenance that was completed, from the repair time, straight to the day of the journey.”

Findings of Vital Evidence

The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the engine was found on the airfield.

The recorders – referred to as data containers – were designed to endure collision damage and extreme heat from blazes, and they looked to be intact when located amid the remains. Investigators plan on examining recordings from the devices.

The plane’s concluding recorded information displayed an elevation of 475 feet and a velocity of 210 miles per hour ahead of the crash.

Repair History

Per aviation authority documents dated 18 September, a fissure on a part in the tank area required fixes.

Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it offers airframe maintenance for the company’s MD-11 and manages a repair facility in Texas, chose not to speak, but expressed it would cooperate fully when officials approached it.

Services Continue

In the meantime, the hub services resumed last night with its Next Day Air also known as night sort procedure, spokesperson the company official said. Each of the three runways at the airport were likewise open again.

The sorting center in the city is the company’s largest. The hub engages more than 20,000 workers in the area, manages 300 trips daily and organizes more than four hundred thousand items each hour.

Local Reaction

A gathering was held on the night of that date by the area worker’s group, which acts for staff at the airfield, the organization’s largest air cargo hub.

The union chapter, which stands for UPS workers, started the gathering with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the rough time of the incident before.

“This event was so abrupt, so unexpected,” the mayor spoke to the assembly of attendees. “No one had a chance to bid farewell to each of those who we have said farewell to.”