Listen to the article
Three UPS Pilots Among Those Mourned Following Fatal Louisville Cargo Plane Crash
The aviation community and local residents are mourning the loss of three UPS pilots and at least a dozen others killed when a cargo plane crashed during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this week.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond were on board the flight that crashed at UPS Worldport, the company’s global aviation hub at Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Todd Inman of the NTSB, which is leading the investigation, stated that the aircraft had been cleared for takeoff when a large fire developed in the left wing and an engine detached from the plane. Flight recorder data revealed a repeating warning bell sounded in the cockpit for 25 seconds as the flight crew desperately attempted to maintain control of the aircraft.
Multiple videos captured from different angles show the aircraft crashing into nearby businesses before erupting into a massive fireball. This footage from phones, security cameras, and vehicles has provided investigators with critical information as they piece together the sequence of events.
Among those who died was Matt Sweets, who was pulled from the wreckage with severe burn injuries but succumbed to his wounds on Thursday afternoon, according to a social media post by his sister, Michelle Sweets. In a heartfelt tribute, another sister, Carrie Ryan, thanked the “brave man who pulled him from the wreckage” while noting that her brother’s young children “didn’t deserve this.”
“We will make sure they grow up knowing their dad was the most loyal, kind, and caring man — and how lucky they are to have you watching over them,” Ryan wrote.
Captain Wartenberg, who lived in Independence, Kentucky, had an extensive military background. From 1994 until 2016, he served with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The retired lieutenant colonel received his commission through Air Force Officer Training School and was qualified to fly multiple military transport aircraft including the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-17 Globemaster III. He logged more than 5,000 military flight hours during his career and received the Meritorious Service Medal in 2010.
Beyond his military and commercial aviation careers, Wartenberg was also a long-standing member of the Ohio Valley Region Porsche Club of America for over two decades, participating in autocross events and high-performance driving education.
First Officer Truitt, who resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico, had been flying for UPS since 2021, piloting MD-11 aircraft according to his LinkedIn profile. His aviation career included previous positions as a captain for SkyWest Airlines and as a flight instructor at Bode Aviation. He had studied Spanish language and literature at the University of New Mexico, graduating in 2006.
John H. Bode, president and CEO of Bode Aviation, remembered Truitt as “a cherished friend, a trusted colleague, and a model of what it means to be a true professional aviator.” In a statement, Bode highlighted Truitt’s “unwavering commitment to excellence” and noted how he “continually returned to mentor our students and instructors, guiding the next generation of aviators with patience, wisdom, and care.”
Captain Diamond, a resident of Caldwell, Texas, had previously served as commissioner and chief of Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 1 in Texas. The emergency services agency posted a tribute describing him as someone who “ran towards danger so the rest of us can step back from it,” adding that “his contribution to the citizens of Bastrop County Texas are immeasurable.”
The UPS crash represents one of the most significant aviation incidents involving a U.S. cargo carrier in recent years. The NTSB’s investigation remains ongoing, with investigators continuing to analyze flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts to determine the precise cause of the engine fire and subsequent crash.
Authorities have yet to identify several other victims, and the full toll of the tragedy continues to unfold as families and communities process their grief in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
20 Comments
This is devastating news. My sincere condolences to the families, colleagues, and the entire UPS community mourning the loss of these experienced pilots. Aviation safety must remain the top priority.
Absolutely. Cargo flights play a vital role, and the pilots deserve the same respect as any other aviators. Hopefully the NTSB can determine the cause and contribute to enhanced safety measures.
My heart goes out to the families and colleagues of the UPS pilots killed in this tragic crash. Aviation safety is always a top priority, and I hope the NTSB can determine the exact cause to prevent future accidents.
Agreed. Losing experienced pilots in an incident like this is devastating. I’m glad the NTSB has access to critical video footage to aid their investigation.
Tragic incident. My heart goes out to the loved ones of the UPS pilots killed in this crash. Maintaining the highest safety standards is critical, no matter the type of flight operation.
You’re right. Even as the industry evolves, the expertise and professionalism of pilots like these must be honored. I hope the NTSB investigation provides much-needed answers.
Tragic accident. My heart goes out to the loved ones of the UPS pilots killed in this crash. Maintaining the highest safety standards is paramount, no matter the type of aviation operation.
Absolutely. Pilots on cargo flights play a vital role, and their expertise deserves the same respect as any other aviator. I hope the NTSB investigation can provide answers to prevent future tragedies.
Tragic news. My condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the UPS pilots killed in this accident. Aviation safety should always be the top priority.
Agreed. Even as cargo operations have increased, safety standards must remain the highest. Hopefully the NTSB can provide answers and recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
This is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks in the aviation industry, even for experienced crews. I hope the NTSB’s findings can lead to safety improvements to prevent similar accidents.
You’re right. No matter how advanced the technology, there are always unforeseen challenges that pilots must be prepared to handle. Rigorous training is key.
This is devastating news. My sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the UPS pilots who lost their lives. Aviation safety must always be the top priority, no exceptions.
Well said. Cargo flights may not get as much public attention, but the pilots’ skill and dedication are just as critical. Hopefully the NTSB can determine the cause and contribute to enhanced safety measures.
This is devastating news. My sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the UPS pilots who lost their lives. Aviation safety must be the top priority, no exceptions.
Well said. Cargo flights may not get the same attention, but the pilots’ skill and dedication are no less critical. Hopefully the NTSB can determine the cause and contribute to enhanced safety measures.
Losing experienced pilots in an accident like this is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the UPS community as they mourn this tragic loss. Safety must always come first in aviation.
Well said. Cargo flights may not get the same attention, but the pilots’ skill and dedication are no less critical. I hope the NTSB investigation provides useful insights.
Cargo flights may not get as much public attention as passenger flights, but the loss of life here is no less tragic. My condolences to the UPS community as they mourn these pilots.
Absolutely. Pilots on cargo flights play a vital role in our global supply chains. Their expertise and professionalism deserve the same respect as any other aviator.