The tragic fallout from the crash of UPS Flight 2976 intensified on December 25, 2025, when Alain Rodriguez Colina succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident. Colina, who had been in a medically induced coma for over seven weeks, was the 15th victim linked to the crash that occurred on November 4. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, crashed into a scrapyard near Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in the loss of 12 lives on the ground and all three pilots aboard.
Colina, a Cuban immigrant, worked at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling, located near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. His tragic death not only highlights the human cost of this disaster but also underscores the ongoing impact of the crash on the local community. At the time of the incident, Colina was attending to a customer when the aircraft struck the scrapyard and a nearby semi-truck parking lot. Although he initially managed to escape the wreckage, he suffered severe burns covering over 50% of his body.
Details Surrounding the Crash of UPS Flight 2976
UPS Flight 2976 was a scheduled cargo flight operating from Louisville to Honolulu. On the evening of November 4, at approximately 17:13 local time, the aircraft, registered as N259UP and equipped with three General Electric CF6-80 turbofans, departed from Louisville’s Runway 17R. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure when its number one engine detached, igniting a fire on the left wing.
The sequence of events mirrored the infamous crash of American Airlines Flight 191 in 1979, where a similar failure led to a tragic outcome. As the MD-11F began to bank sharply to the left, it lost control and descended, striking a UPS Supply Chain warehouse and igniting a substantial fire. The aircraft ultimately crashed into the scrapyard, causing widespread destruction.
The aftermath resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities. While 12 individuals on the ground were killed, another 22 were reported injured. In the case of Colina, medical personnel placed him in a coma upon his arrival at the hospital with severe burns. Initially, doctors were cautiously optimistic about his recovery, but his condition deteriorated, leading to his death on Christmas Day.
Investigations and Potential Causes
As the investigation into the crash continues, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is examining whether the MD-11F may have also lost its number two engine, contributing to its inability to climb. The final report will provide insight into the sequence of events leading to this tragedy, which has raised significant concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance practices.
Historically, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 has faced scrutiny regarding its safety record, largely due to the catastrophic outcomes associated with similar incidents. The crash of UPS Flight 2976 adds to a troubling legacy, prompting calls for thorough investigations into maintenance protocols and safety measures.
As the community mourns the loss of Alain Rodriguez Colina, the ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the truth behind the crash. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind aviation disasters and the importance of ensuring the highest safety standards in air travel.
