Captain and First Officer of UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Revealed
UPS officials have identified the flight crew of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 that crashed in Louisville as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Officer Dana Diamond. All three were killed on impact when UPS Flight 2976 crashed into industrial buildings near Muhammad Ali International Airport, causing a massive fire shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
Captain Richard Wartenberg
Wartenberg, 58, hailed from northern Kentucky and was known for his passion for cars. According to a 2022 article by the Bent Pylon, the Porsche Club of America publication, he had been a longtime member of its Ohio Valley Region chapter for 20 years. The Taj Kreuzers SpeedFest in Ohio also paid tribute to him on social media, describing Wartenberg as “a close friend” who brought warmth and great conversation to their events.
"You may have seen him at several of our many Speedfest events. He brought his warm smile and great conversation with him whenever he attended. The aviation world and car enthusiast world will certainly miss him."
His friends remembered him not only as a skilled pilot but also as an enthusiastic and friendly member of both the aviation and car communities.
Flight Incident Summary
The UPS plane, Flight 2976, exploded into a fireball as it crashed through industrial buildings near the Louisville airport. The tragic event caused extensive flames engulfing the area, resulting in the immediate loss of all crew members onboard.
“The captain and crew of the UPS plane that crashed in a fiery blaze in Kentucky have been identified as the grim search continues for the remaining victims.”
Investigations and search efforts are ongoing following the devastating accident.
Author's summary: The UPS Flight 2976 crash near Louisville tragically claimed the lives of Captain Wartenberg and his crew, who were remembered for their professionalism and passion.