The number of fatalities resulting from the transport jet that burst into flames and plummeted has now risen to 13, as confirmed by recent statements.
City Leader's Announcement
“On my way to the Workers’ vigil, I received word of a additional fatality that died as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” stated the local official in a online message. “My heart is with the families, companions and peers of all who were lost in this recent tragedy. We will overcome this as one.”
Casualties Identified
A statement from UPS named the pilots on board the aircraft as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts go out to each UPSer who has been impacted and everyone in our community region – supporting you and guaranteeing you obtain the care and assistance you need is our main concern,” the firm’s message expressed.
Inquiry Findings
Federal authorities revealed that the jet’s port side wing ignited and an power plant separated soon after liftoff from the airfield, causing the jet to crash and burst into a fireball.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is probing the plane’s maintenance history, that was in Texas for fixes several weeks prior to the incident.
Flight tracking data showed the plane was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to last week.
“We are knowledgeable that this jet was located in that city,” stated an NTSB member on the following day, without providing a specific date range. “We will look at every piece of maintenance that was performed, even the Texas time, straight to the time of the journey.”
Recovery of Critical Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the engine was discovered on the tarmac.
The recorders – called data containers – were designed to endure collision damage and extreme temperatures from infernos, and they looked to be intact when discovered within the remains. Officials plan on examining information from the recorders.
Jet’s concluding recorded information showed an elevation of 475 feet and a rate of 210 mph before the crash.
Maintenance Record
Per FAA documents dated that date, a fracture on a part within the tank area needed maintenance.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it supplies aircraft servicing for the carrier’s jet and manages a repair facility in San Antonio, refused to provide remarks, but expressed it would cooperate fully when investigators approached it.
Operations Continue
In the meantime, UPS Worldport activities resumed that evening with its Next Day Air or night sort process, representative the company official confirmed. Each of the three runways at the aviation hub were also reopened.
The distribution hub in this location is the company’s largest. The center hires over 20,000 workers in the area, processes three hundred aircraft each day and organizes over a huge volume of packages each hour.
Community Support
A memorial was organized on the evening of 6 November by the local worker’s group, which supports employees at the aviation hub, the company’s largest freight center.
The union chapter, which supports staff, began the vigil with a quiet tribute at the evening hour, the rough time of the incident before.
“This incident was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the leader spoke to the assembly of two hundred. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to each of those who we have lost.”
