The tally of fatalities from the transport jet that caught fire and went down has climbed to 13, as confirmed by recent announcements.
Mayor's Announcement
“On my way to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I was informed of a 13th person that lost their life as a result of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” expressed the local official in a public communication. “My prayers is with the families, companions and co-workers of all who were taken in this week’s disaster. We will endure this as one.”
Victims Identified
An announcement from the carrier listed the flight crew operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts are extended to every staff member who has been affected and all in our local area – assisting you and ensuring you receive the support and aid you need is our priority,” the company’s communication read.
Inquiry Details
Government officials revealed that the jet’s port side wing caught fire and an power plant separated shortly after takeoff from the airfield, resulting in the plane to fall and erupt into a fireball.
The NTSB has said it is examining the plane’s maintenance history, that was in the state for fixes a period prior to the crash.
Flight tracking data showed the plane was on the runway in that location from the start of last month to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was located in San Antonio,” said an investigator on the following day, without providing a specific time frame. “We will look at all elements of service that was done, from the San Antonio period, right up to the date of the flight.”
Retrieval of Key Components
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were found, and the engine was found on the runway.
The units – known as data containers – were constructed to survive accident forces and intense heat from infernos, and they looked to be intact when discovered amid the wreckage. Authorities will reviewing recordings from the black boxes.
The plane’s final flight details showed an altitude of 475 ft and a rate of that speed before the accident.
Repair Background
Per FAA documents dated last month, a fissure on a component inside the fuel container needed fixes.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which stated it provides airframe maintenance for the company’s jet and operates a maintenance center in Texas, declined to comment, but stated it would cooperate fully when relevant authorities approached it.
Services Continue
Meanwhile, the facility activities continued that evening with its Next Day Air or nighttime procedure, representative a representative stated. Each of the three runways at the airport were likewise reopened.
The UPS package handling facility in the city is the company’s biggest. The hub hires over a large number of workers in the locality, processes numerous aircraft per day and sorts over four hundred thousand parcels an hour.
Public Support
A candlelight vigil was held on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area Teamsters Union, which represents staff at the aviation hub, the firm’s largest freight center.
The union chapter, which represents staff, commenced the gathering with a quiet tribute at the evening hour, the estimated time of the accident previously.
“This incident was so unexpected, so surprising,” the leader spoke to the crowd of 200. “No one had a opportunity to part to each of those who we have mourned.”
