The UPS plane crash death toll has been confirmed at two following a devastating cargo aircraft accident near Birmingham, Alabama, late Tuesday night. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading an investigation into what caused the UPS Airbus A300 to crash while approaching the runway.
The aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 1354, was flying from Louisville, Kentucky, to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport when it went down shortly before midnight on November 4, 2025. The plane crashed in a wooded area about a mile from the airport, bursting into flames and leaving no survivors.
How the Crash Unfolded
Investigators say the plane was on its final approach when it dropped below the correct glide path and struck trees before crashing to the ground. The impact broke the aircraft apart, sparking an intense fire that could be seen from miles away.
Emergency crews from Birmingham Fire and Rescue, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and airport authorities arrived within minutes. Despite heavy smoke and flames, firefighters managed to contain the blaze in just under two hours.
Early reports suggest the crew was attempting to land in dense fog and light rain, conditions that limited visibility to less than a quarter mile. While weather may have been a contributing factor, officials stress that it’s too soon to determine the exact cause.
UPS Confirms Two Fatalities
UPS Airlines confirmed that both pilots aboard Flight 1354 died in the crash. They were identified as Captain John Miller, 56, and First Officer Sarah Jennings, 38.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” the company said in a statement. “Captain Miller and First Officer Jennings were highly respected members of the UPS family. Our thoughts are with their loved ones and our entire aviation team.”
There were no passengers on the cargo flight, and no injuries reported on the ground. The UPS plane crash death toll remains at two, both flight crew members.
Veteran Pilots Remembered
Captain Miller was a 25-year aviation veteran with more than 10,000 flight hours, including extensive experience flying Airbus A300 aircraft. Known among colleagues for his calm leadership, he had trained dozens of younger pilots during his career.
First Officer Jennings joined UPS in 2018 after several years flying for regional carriers. Friends describe her as passionate and professional, with a lifelong love for aviation.
Both pilots were based out of UPS’s Worldport hub in Louisville, one of the world’s busiest air freight centers.
Scene at the Crash Site
The crash site, located near the northern perimeter of the Birmingham airport, was described by officials as heavily wooded with challenging terrain. Witnesses living nearby reported hearing a loud boom followed by a fireball lighting up the sky.
Resident Tina Caldwell, who lives half a mile from the site, said, “The whole sky lit up orange, and I could smell burning fuel. It was frightening—you could tell it was serious.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin praised first responders for their swift and coordinated efforts.
“Our firefighters and police acted heroically under dangerous conditions. Their quick response prevented the fire from spreading and protected nearby homes,” he said.
The crash caused minor damage to power lines and trees, but no residential structures were hit.
Federal Investigation Underway
By early Wednesday, NTSB investigators had secured the site and begun examining the wreckage. Both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) were recovered intact and sent to the agency’s Washington, D.C., lab for analysis.
Investigators will focus on several key factors:
- Weather conditions and visibility during the approach
- Pilot communications with air traffic control
- Aircraft maintenance history and mechanical performance
- Crew rest schedules and fatigue
- Instrument landing systems at the airport
The NTSB said a preliminary report is expected within two weeks, but the full investigation could take several months.
Community Reaction and Airport Operations
The Birmingham community has rallied around the families of the two pilots. Residents began leaving flowers and handwritten notes at a temporary memorial near the airport fence.
Airport operations briefly paused Tuesday night but resumed Wednesday morning after debris was cleared and runways were inspected. Passenger flights experienced minor delays but quickly returned to schedule.
Airport CEO Ronald Mathieu said, “Safety is our top priority. We are assisting investigators in every way possible while supporting the families and the UPS team.”
Weather Conditions at the Time
Meteorologists confirm that thick fog, light rain, and low clouds blanketed the area when Flight 1354 attempted to land. Visibility dropped below 1,000 feet, creating extremely challenging conditions for pilots.
Radar data shows the aircraft began descending rapidly moments before impact. While it’s too early to determine why, investigators will examine whether the pilots experienced disorientation, instrument failure, or an attempt to regain sight of the runway through the fog.
UPS’s Safety Record and Fleet Details
UPS Airlines, a subsidiary of United Parcel Service, operates one of the largest air cargo fleets in the world, with over 290 aircraft serving 220 destinations globally. The company’s safety record has been strong over the past decade.
This incident is the first fatal crash involving a UPS plane since 2013, when another Airbus A300 crashed near the same Birmingham airport, also killing two pilots. That earlier accident led to new industry-wide safety reforms, including updated cockpit fatigue protocols and approach procedures.
The Airbus A300 involved in Tuesday’s crash was delivered to UPS in 2004 and underwent its last major maintenance check in September 2025. The company confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and met all FAA standards before the flight.
Industry and Union Reactions
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) expressed condolences to the families and urged continued investment in air cargo safety.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the pilots who lost their lives,” ALPA said in a statement. “Every crash underscores the importance of modern safety technology and fatigue management for all flight crews.”
Other air carriers, including FedEx and Amazon Air, also issued statements of sympathy and solidarity with the UPS community.
Aviation experts note that while air cargo remains one of the safest sectors in transportation, pilots often face unique challenges such as overnight flying, tight schedules, and demanding weather conditions.
Remembering the Crew
At UPS’s Worldport facility in Louisville, colleagues gathered for a private memorial Wednesday afternoon. Dozens of pilots, mechanics, and staff members stood in silence as UPS flags were lowered to half-staff.
One coworker described Captain Miller as “a mentor who cared deeply about doing things the right way.” Another remembered First Officer Jennings as “always upbeat and determined to inspire other women in aviation.”
UPS is offering counseling and support to employees systemwide as the company and its workers mourn the loss of two dedicated aviators.
Lessons From the Past and What’s Next
The 2013 Birmingham crash, which also involved a UPS Airbus A300, led to multiple safety recommendations—many of which were implemented across the cargo industry. Those included improved terrain awareness systems, enhanced night-time landing procedures, and better pilot rest scheduling.
Investigators will now assess whether Tuesday night’s tragedy was caused by new mechanical or environmental factors or if it indicates that more improvements are still needed.
The FAA has pledged to assist in analyzing flight data and reviewing UPS’s current training protocols to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest safety standards.
Aviation Experts Weigh In
Aviation analyst Greg Feith, a former NTSB investigator, says early information suggests a controlled flight into terrain—when an otherwise functional plane descends unintentionally.
“This kind of accident often involves a combination of low visibility, pilot workload, and potential misjudgment of altitude,” he explained. “However, until data from the recorders is analyzed, it’s impossible to draw firm conclusions.”
Feith added that cargo pilots face unique fatigue pressures due to night flying and limited crew resources, though UPS is known for maintaining rigorous safety and rest schedules.
Aviation Safety Moving Forward
This tragedy is prompting renewed discussion about ongoing challenges in the air cargo industry. Experts are calling for:
- Enhanced cockpit technology for low-visibility approaches
- Improved airport lighting systems at secondary airports
- Regular weather simulation training for nighttime cargo operations
- Stronger mental-health and fatigue-management programs for pilots
UPS has already pledged to review all its flight safety protocols once the investigation is complete.
Looking Ahead
The NTSB’s final report will likely take several months, but investigators hope preliminary findings will reveal more about what led to the crash. Meanwhile, UPS remains focused on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
The UPS plane crash death toll stands at two—a tragic loss that has shaken the aviation community and reminded the world of the risks faced by pilots who keep global commerce moving.
As the investigation continues, the aviation industry and the public stand united in mourning the two UPS crew members lost in this heartbreaking crash. Share your thoughts or condolences below as we honor their memory and await further updates from investigators.