The tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976 has claimed its 15th victim, as Alain Rodriguez Colina succumbed to injuries on December 25, 2025. Colina, who worked at a scrapyard near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, had been in a medically induced coma since the incident on November 4, 2025. His death highlights the ongoing repercussions of a disaster that not only affected the flight crew but also devastated the local community.
Details of the Crash
UPS Flight 2976 was a scheduled cargo flight operating from Louisville to Honolulu when it encountered catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, tail number N259UP, departed at approximately 17:13 local time. Just moments into its ascent, the aircraft’s number one engine detached, igniting a fire on the left wing. This malfunction caused the plane to lose control, banking sharply left before plummeting towards the ground.
The impact was devastating. The aircraft struck a scrapyard and a nearby semi-truck parking lot, resulting in the deaths of all three pilots along with 12 individuals on the ground, including Colina. Initially able to escape the wreckage, Colina sustained severe burns, covering more than 50% of his body. He was rushed to the hospital but never regained consciousness.
Colina’s family, including his siblings residing in Louisville and his daughter in Cuba, mourn the loss of a dedicated metal buyer at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling. His coworker was one of the casualties during the crash, bringing further sorrow to a tragedy that has left deep scars on the community.
Investigation and Implications
The investigation into the crash is being overseen by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Preliminary assessments suggest that the events leading to the crash are reminiscent of the infamous American Airlines Flight 191 disaster in 1979, which remains the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history. In both incidents, the aircraft’s engine detached from the wing, leading to a catastrophic loss of control.
It is believed that UPS Flight 2976 may have also experienced issues with its number two engine, which could explain its inability to maintain altitude. Detailed analysis of maintenance records and the aircraft’s design will be critical in determining the precise causes of this incident.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring aviation safety standards are upheld to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The loss of Alain Rodriguez Colina serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of aviation disasters, extending beyond the cockpit to the lives of everyday individuals affected by such catastrophic events.
The final report from the NTSB will be awaited with great interest, as it promises to shed light on the failures that led to this heartbreaking incident, ensuring that lessons are learned to enhance safety in air travel.
