The tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976 has claimed its 15th victim with the death of Alain Rodriguez Colina on Christmas Day. Colina, who had been in an induced coma for seven weeks following the incident, worked at a scrapyard near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. His passing highlights the human toll of the accident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, when the aircraft crashed into the scrapyard, killing 12 individuals on the ground.
Alain Rodriguez Colina, a Cuban immigrant, held the position of metal buyer at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling. On the day of the crash, he was attending to a customer with a coworker when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F operating Flight 2976 crashed into the scrapyard and a nearby semi-truck parking lot. Although he managed to escape initially, Colina sustained severe burns over more than 50% of his body. He was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma, with doctors initially expressing hope for his recovery. Tragically, his condition worsened, and he was pronounced dead on December 25.
Details of the Crash
UPS Flight 2976 was a scheduled cargo flight from Louisville to Honolulu. The aircraft, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, departed from Louisville’s Runway 17R at approximately 17:13 local time. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft’s number one engine detached from the wing, igniting a fire that spread rapidly. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft bank sharply to the left before it lost control.
The left main landing gear struck a UPS Supply Chain warehouse, while the left wing impacted a line of fuel tanks, leading to a significant fire. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the scrapyard, resulting in the tragic loss of life. In total, three pilots aboard the flight and 12 individuals on the ground, including Colina, lost their lives, while 22 others sustained injuries.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash, examining the circumstances that led to the engine failure and subsequent loss of control. Preliminary reports suggest a possible similarity to the American Airlines Flight 191 disaster in 1979, where a similar engine and pylon failure resulted in the crash of a McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
In both cases, improper maintenance procedures have been implicated, leading to significant redesigns in aircraft systems to enhance safety. The ongoing investigation will determine whether UPS Flight 2976 experienced similar mechanical failures, including the potential loss of its number two engine, which may have contributed to the aircraft’s inability to climb.
This tragic incident highlights not only the dangers of aviation but also the profound impact on families and communities affected by such accidents. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating event.
