The number of victims due to the UPS cargo plane which ignited and crashed has climbed to 13, per official reports.
City Leader's Announcement
While en route to the Workers’ vigil, I learned of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a result of the plane incident,” expressed the municipal leader in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the loved ones, friends and co-workers of all who were lost in this recently occurred tragedy. We will overcome this as one.”
Casualties Identified
A statement from the carrier listed the pilots operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts reach out to every staff member who has been impacted and everyone in our community region – supporting you and ensuring you obtain the support and resources you need is our main concern,” the company’s communication expressed.
Investigation Details
Government investigators disclosed that the jet’s port side wing burst into flames and an engine separated just after takeoff from the airfield, causing the plane to crash and explode into a blaze.
The safety agency stated it is examining the aircraft’s service record, which was in the state for maintenance several weeks ahead of the crash.
Aviation records indicated the plane was on the ground in the Texas city from early September to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this aircraft was present in San Antonio,” said an official on later, not giving a specific time frame. “We will review every piece of maintenance that was performed, even the repair visit, right up to the time of the flight.”
Retrieval of Vital Components
The audio device and data recorder were retrieved, and the motor was located on the runway.
The recorders – called black boxes – were built to withstand collision damage and severe heat from blazes, and they looked to be intact when located amid the crash debris. Officials plan on analyzing recordings from the black boxes.
Jet’s last recorded information showed an height of 475 ft and a speed of 210 miles per hour before the accident.
Maintenance History
According to Federal Aviation Administration files from that date, a crack on a structural piece within the center wing fuel tank needed repairs.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which indicated it provides aircraft servicing for the company’s jet and operates a maintenance center in that city, refused to provide remarks, but expressed it would work closely when investigators contacted it.
Activities Continue
In the meantime, the hub services restarted Wednesday night with its express also known as evening operation, spokesperson the company official said. All three landing strips at the airport were also back in operation.
The UPS package handling facility in this location is the firm’s largest. The center engages over 20,000 individuals in the region, processes 300 flights each day and processes in excess of a huge volume of parcels each hour.
Community Response
A candlelight vigil was held on the evening of 6 November by the regional Teamsters Union, which represents employees at the aviation hub, the firm’s primary freight center.
Teamsters Local 89, which represents UPS workers, began the memorial with a period of reflection at that time, the estimated time of the incident previously.
“This incident was so abrupt, so unexpected,” the official told the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a moment to part to any one of those who we have lost.”
