A tragic incident involving UPS Flight 2976 has resulted in the death of its 15th victim on Christmas Day. Alain Rodriguez Colina, who had been in a medically induced coma for seven weeks following the crash, succumbed to his injuries. Colina was working at a scrapyard near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport when the cargo flight crashed on November 4, 2025.
The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, was en route from Louisville to Honolulu when it experienced a catastrophic failure. Shortly after takeoff, the number one engine detached from the wing, leading to a fire and subsequent loss of control. The plane descended rapidly, striking structures on the ground, including the scrapyard where Colina was employed.
Alain Rodriguez Colina, a Cuban immigrant, was attending to a customer at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling when the crash occurred. Despite initially escaping the wreckage, he suffered severe burns covering more than 50% of his body. After arriving at the hospital, medical staff placed him in an induced coma, where he remained until his death on December 25.
Details of the Crash
UPS Flight 2976 took off from Louisville at approximately 17:13 local time. The aircraft was operating a scheduled cargo flight when it lost its number one engine shortly after reaching V1 speed. The engine detached with its pylon still attached, igniting a fire on the left wing. Witness accounts described a terrifying scene as the plane banked sharply and descended towards the ground.
The crash resulted in the deaths of all three pilots onboard and 12 individuals on the ground. In addition to Colina, other victims included his coworker, who was also at the scrapyard during the incident. The fire that ensued destroyed the scrapyard and damaged nearby structures.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Early reports suggest that the aircraft may have experienced further mechanical failures, potentially including the loss of the number two engine, which could explain its inability to climb adequately.
Historical Context and Investigation
The sequence of events in the UPS Flight 2976 crash bears similarities to the infamous American Airlines Flight 191 disaster in 1979. In that incident, improper maintenance led to the detachment of an engine, ultimately causing the aircraft to crash shortly after takeoff. The NTSB’s investigation into Flight 2976 will be crucial in uncovering whether maintenance practices played a role in this tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, families and communities affected by the crash continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. Colina’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost associated with aviation disasters. The NTSB’s final report will provide further insights into the causes of this incident and any necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The legacy of those lost in the crash, including Alain Rodriguez Colina, will remain a significant part of the ongoing conversation surrounding aviation safety and the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols in the industry.
