The number of fatalities due to the UPS cargo plane that burst into flames and plummeted has now climbed to 13, according to recent statements.
Mayor's Statement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I received word of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a result of the UPS flight 2976 accident,” expressed the local official in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the families, companions and colleagues of all who were lost in this recently occurred tragedy. We will get through this as one.”
Deceased Named
A statement from UPS identified the officers operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts are extended to every staff member who has been touched and all in our local community – assisting you and guaranteeing you get the support and assistance you need is our main concern,” the organization’s statement expressed.
Probe Details
Government officials announced that the jet’s left wing caught fire and an motor fell off soon after liftoff from the airfield, causing the aircraft to fall and erupt into a blaze.
The NTSB announced it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance a period before the accident.
Aviation data revealed the plane was on the ground in that location from early September to mid-October.
“We are aware that this plane was present in San Antonio,” remarked an investigator on Thursday, without a exact date range. “We will review all elements of service that was performed, even the San Antonio period, right up to the date of the flight.”
Recovery of Critical Components
The audio device and flight data recorder were found, and the motor was located on the tarmac.
The devices – known as flight recorders – were designed to withstand collision damage and severe fire from blazes, and they seemed to be in one piece when found amid the wreckage. Authorities will examining recordings from the black boxes.
Jet’s concluding flight details displayed an elevation of 475 ft and a velocity of that speed ahead of the crash.
Maintenance Record
According to Federal Aviation Administration records dated that date, a crack on a structural piece within the fuel container needed fixes.
The company ST Engineering, which said it offers structural repairs for the company’s MD-11 and operates a repair facility in San Antonio, refused to comment, but said it would assist completely when relevant authorities approached it.
Operations Resume
Meanwhile, the hub operations continued last night with its express also known as night sort operation, spokesperson Jim Mayer said. Each of the three tarmacs at the aviation hub were also back in operation.
The sorting center in the city is the organization’s largest. The hub engages in excess of twenty thousand people in the region, processes 300 trips daily and processes over 400,000 packages an hour.
Public Reaction
A memorial was held on the late afternoon of 6 November by the regional labor union, which acts for workers at the aviation hub, the company’s biggest air cargo hub.
Teamsters Local 89, which represents employees, began the gathering with a period of reflection at the evening hour, the estimated hour of the crash before.
“This incident was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader told the assembly of two hundred. “No one had a moment to part to any one of those who we have mourned.”
