The total count of fatalities due to the freight aircraft that burst into flames and went down has now risen to 13, as confirmed by official announcements.
City Leader's Statement
While en route to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I received word of a 13th person that passed away as a result of the plane accident,” expressed the local official in a public communication. “My prayers is with the families, companions and co-workers of all who were killed in this week’s tragedy. We will endure this together.”
Victims Identified
A release from the company listed the flight crew aboard the aircraft as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our community region – assisting you and ensuring you obtain the attention and assistance you need is our priority,” the company’s statement stated.
Investigation Updates
Government authorities revealed that the freight aircraft’s port side wing burst into flames and an motor fell off just after liftoff from the airfield, resulting in the aircraft to plummet and explode into a fireball.
The National Transportation Safety Board has said it is examining the aircraft’s upkeep logs, which was in the state for fixes weeks ahead of the incident.
Aircraft information showed the aircraft was on the tarmac in San Antonio, Texas from early September to 18 October.
“We are cognizant that this jet was present in San Antonio,” said an investigator on Thursday, without a specific period. “We will look at every piece of service that was completed, from the San Antonio time, straight to the date of the trip.”
Retrieval of Critical Items
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was discovered on the tarmac.
The recorders – referred to as data containers – were built to withstand collision damage and severe temperatures from infernos, and they looked to be intact when found among the wreckage. Investigators will reviewing information from the black boxes.
Jet’s concluding recorded information indicated an elevation of 475 feet and a velocity of 210 mph before the impact.
Service History
According to FAA files from 18 September, a crack on a structural piece within the center wing fuel tank required fixes.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it provides structural repairs for the carrier’s aircraft and operates a repair facility in Texas, refused to comment, but expressed it would work closely when relevant authorities approached it.
Services Restart
Meanwhile, the facility operations resumed that evening with its express or night sort process, spokesperson Jim Mayer said. The three landing strips at the airport were likewise back in operation.
The sorting center in this location is the company’s most significant. The facility employs in excess of 20,000 people in the locality, manages numerous trips per day and sorts over four hundred thousand packages each hour.
Public Response
A candlelight vigil was conducted on the night of recently by the area worker’s group, which supports staff at the airfield, the company’s largest shipping facility.
The union chapter, which stands for UPS workers, started the memorial with a quiet tribute at that time, the rough time of the crash before.
“This incident was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the leader told the crowd of attendees. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to any of those who we have lost.”
