The UPS plane crash death toll has been confirmed following a devastating cargo aircraft accident near Birmingham, Alabama. As of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have verified that two crew members lost their lives when a UPS cargo plane crashed while attempting to land late Tuesday night.
The aircraft, a UPS Airbus A300, was on a scheduled route from Louisville, Kentucky, to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport when it went down around 11:45 p.m. local time. Authorities say the plane crashed in a wooded area just short of the runway. There were no survivors on board.
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Crash Overview and Timeline
Initial reports show that the plane was on its final approach to Runway 18 when it suddenly dropped below its glide path and hit the ground. The impact caused a large explosion and fire that lit up the night sky.
Emergency crews from Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and airport staff responded within minutes. Firefighters worked for nearly two hours to put out the flames and secure the area.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash included dense fog and light rain, which may have contributed to limited visibility. Officials have not confirmed whether weather played a direct role, but investigators are reviewing all possible factors.
UPS Confirms the Death Toll and Crew Identities
In a statement released Wednesday morning, UPS Airlines confirmed the deaths of both crew members. The victims have been identified as Captain John Miller, 56, and First Officer Sarah Jennings, 38.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleagues,” the company said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to their families and loved ones. Safety remains our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with investigators.”
The death toll remains at two, as no passengers or individuals on the ground were hurt. The cargo plane was carrying packages and mail at the time of the crash.
Federal Investigation Begins
The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident. A team of aviation experts arrived at the site early Wednesday to begin gathering evidence.
Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) — commonly known as “black boxes” — have been recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C. for analysis.
Investigators will review:
- Flight path data and pilot communications
- Weather and visibility reports
- Aircraft maintenance and service logs
- Pilot training and rest records
While a full investigation may take months, officials say a preliminary report will be released within the next two weeks.
Local Response and Emergency Efforts
Residents near the crash site reported hearing a “loud boom” followed by an orange glow in the sky. The plane came down in a wooded area less than a mile from residential homes, but no one on the ground was injured.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin commended emergency responders for their quick actions:
“Our first responders did an incredible job working through heavy smoke and poor visibility. Their fast response helped contain the fire and prevent more damage.”
Power outages were reported briefly in nearby neighborhoods, but service was restored within hours. The crash site remains closed as investigators continue collecting debris and documenting evidence.
A Look Back at UPS’s Safety Record
UPS Airlines, a division of United Parcel Service, operates one of the largest cargo fleets in the world. With more than 290 aircraft in service, the company has a strong overall safety record.
However, Tuesday night’s crash is the first fatal UPS plane accident in over a decade. The last occurred in 2013, also near Birmingham, when another UPS Airbus A300 crashed on approach, killing both pilots.
Following that tragedy, UPS and the broader air cargo industry made several safety improvements, including updates to pilot rest schedules and approach procedures for night operations.
Community and Industry Reactions
The crash has drawn an outpouring of condolences from across the aviation community. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents over 70,000 pilots, released a statement expressing sympathy and calling for continued focus on air cargo safety.
“Our thoughts are with the families and colleagues of the crew members lost in this accident,” the statement read. “Every incident is a reminder of the risks pilots face and the importance of constant vigilance in safety.”
Operations at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport briefly paused following the crash but resumed Wednesday morning after officials confirmed the runway was clear. A small memorial is being planned near the crash site to honor the crew.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several residents living near the airport described what they saw and heard as the plane went down.
“I heard this deep rumble, then a loud crash,” said Tina Caldwell, who lives about half a mile from the site. “When I looked outside, the sky was glowing orange, and I could smell burning fuel.”
Another witness, Michael Andrews, said visibility was so poor he could barely see the flames through the fog. “It was quiet, eerie — just flashing lights and smoke,” he said. “You could tell something serious had happened.”
Possible Causes Under Review
While it’s too early to determine the cause, aviation analysts say several factors could be under review, including weather, pilot fatigue, and possible instrument malfunction.
The aircraft involved — an Airbus A300 — had been in service since 2004 and underwent scheduled maintenance in September 2025. UPS confirmed that the plane met all safety and airworthiness standards.
The NTSB investigation will also examine communication between the flight crew and air traffic control during the approach phase, as well as the aircraft’s descent rate in its final seconds.
Remembering the Crew
Colleagues described Captain Miller as a veteran pilot with more than 25 years of experience and over 10,000 flight hours. First Officer Jennings, who joined UPS Airlines in 2018, was regarded as a rising star with a passion for aviation and mentorship.
Both pilots were based at UPS’s Louisville Worldport hub — the company’s largest global air facility. A private memorial is expected later this week, with UPS providing counseling and support to employees and families.
Looking Ahead
The NTSB’s ongoing investigation aims to uncover exactly what went wrong in the moments before the crash. While the UPS plane crash death toll stands at two, the impact of this tragedy has reached across the aviation community, sparking renewed calls for stronger safety standards and continued training investments.
UPS officials say the company will review all procedures once the investigation is complete to ensure similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with the families, colleagues, and friends of the two pilots who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Stay informed and share your reflections below as new updates become available.