The total count of victims resulting from the transport jet that ignited and plummeted has climbed to 13, according to recent statements.
Mayor's Announcement
Traveling to the Union’s candlelight gathering, I was informed of a additional fatality that lost their life as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” wrote the municipal leader in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the relatives, friends and co-workers of all who were lost in this recent tragedy. We will get through this collectively.”
Victims Confirmed
A statement from the carrier listed the flight crew operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts go out to every UPSer who has been affected and everyone in our local region – assisting you and ensuring you obtain the support and aid you need is our priority,” the organization’s message read.
Inquiry Findings
Federal investigators disclosed that the freight aircraft’s wing caught fire and an motor fell off soon after departure from the airfield, resulting in the plane to fall and explode into a fireball.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance weeks prior to the crash.
Aircraft records showed the jet was on the tarmac in San Antonio, Texas from early September to last week.
“We are cognizant that this jet was there in San Antonio,” remarked an investigator on Thursday, without providing a precise period. “We will review all elements of repairs that was completed, even the San Antonio period, all the way to the date of the journey.”
Retrieval of Key Items
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the power plant was discovered on the tarmac.
The units – known as black boxes – were built to endure collision damage and severe temperatures from blazes, and they seemed to be intact when discovered within the wreckage. Officials will reviewing recordings from the black boxes.
The plane’s final data recordings displayed an altitude of 475 ft and a rate of 210 miles per hour before the crash.
Repair Record
According to FAA files from that date, a fracture on a structural piece inside the tank area needed maintenance.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it offers structural repairs for the company’s MD-11 and manages a repair facility in Texas, refused to speak, but expressed it would work closely when relevant authorities reached out it.
Services Continue
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport activities continued Wednesday night with its overnight or night sort process, official a representative confirmed. Each of the three tarmacs at the aviation hub were likewise back in operation.
The sorting center in the city is the firm’s biggest. The center employs over a large number of individuals in the locality, manages three hundred trips daily and sorts over four hundred thousand parcels an hour.
Public Response
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the night of 6 November by the regional Teamsters Union, which supports staff at the aviation hub, the organization’s largest air cargo hub.
The union chapter, which stands for UPS workers, commenced the gathering with a quiet tribute at that time, the estimated time of the accident previously.
“This incident was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the official told the assembly of attendees. “No one had a chance to bid farewell to any of those who we have lost.”
