UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Fiery Explosion : Newly Released Dash Cam Footage Reveals Final Moments
November 10, 2025
Newly released dash cam footage has shed light on the harrowing final seconds before a UPS cargo jet was seen briefly lifting off before crashing and erupting into a massive fireball. The video, which surfaced on social media earlier this week, has reignited concerns over cargo plane safety and emergency response protocols in low-altitude flight operations.
The footage, shared widely by NFL Memes on Facebook, shows the aircraft flying unusually low over a residential street before colliding with power lines and bursting into flames. The incident occurred near a suburban neighborhood, with several vehicles and pedestrians reportedly within the area at the time of the crash.
After hours of searching, I finally found a full video of what happened from someone named Adam Bartholomew (lifeisdriving) on YouTube. Really hard to watch! pic.twitter.com/zmJSF3Iw1h
The 30-second clip, captured from a vehicle’s dashboard camera, begins as an ordinary drive through a quiet suburban street. In the distance, a low-flying aircraft suddenly appears, its engines roaring louder as it rapidly descends. Just seconds later, the plane’s landing gear clips a set of overhead power lines, sending a shower of sparks into the air. Moments after that, the screen flashes orange as the aircraft explodes on impact.
The video ends with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Bystanders can be heard shouting in shock and disbelief. The full footage, initially posted to social media platforms, has since been verified by multiple aviation analysts who confirmed it depicts a UPS MD-11 cargo jet operating out of a regional air hub.
According to early reports, the footage was taken just a few miles from the runway, suggesting the crash occurred shortly after takeoff.
It does look to me like the engine exhaust flashed a couple of times prior to failure, which could indicate engine rich exhaust prior to engine failure. Great demo of the crew escape system. pic.twitter.com/bmhRf2FUFb
Residents in the area described the crash as “like an earthquake,” with windows rattling and flames visible from several blocks away.
“I thought it was a thunderclap at first,” said one local witness, who lives less than half a mile from the crash site. “When I looked outside, there was a huge explosion and a cloud of smoke. It was terrifying.”
Emergency response teams arrived within minutes, with local police, firefighters, and FAA investigators quickly cordoning off the area. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, though preliminary reports suggest the flight crew was onboard when the plane went down.
A statement released by UPS later that day said the company was “deeply saddened” by the event and is cooperating fully with federal investigators.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” the statement read. “Safety remains our top priority, and we are providing our full support to the investigation.”
While cargo flights make up only a fraction of global air traffic, they are responsible for a disproportionate number of aviation accidents in recent decades. Many of these incidents occur during takeoff or landing the two most critical phases of flight.
Aviation experts note that factors such as weight imbalance, engine failure, or mechanical malfunction can lead to rapid loss of control.
“Cargo planes often operate under tight schedules and challenging conditions,” said Mark Dillard, an aviation safety analyst based in Atlanta. “Even a small system failure during takeoff can become catastrophic if not immediately corrected.”
The UPS jet seen in the video reportedly attempted to gain altitude but failed to maintain sufficient lift. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently reviewing flight data and cockpit voice recordings to determine what went wrong.
As recovery crews worked to clear debris from the site, FAA officials emphasized the importance of analyzing the wreckage to identify potential technical failures.
“The first step is to secure all evidence, including flight recorders, engine components, and maintenance logs,” said NTSB spokesperson Allison Greene. “We’re working with UPS and local authorities to reconstruct the sequence of events.”
According to Greene, the black box recorders have been retrieved and sent to Washington, D.C., for further analysis. Preliminary findings are expected within several weeks.
🚨⚡🇮🇳 — WATCH: Another video showcasing the extent of damage.
Within hours of the video being shared online, millions of users had viewed, commented, and reacted to the post. The original clip posted by NFL Memes amassed over 2,000 reactions, 500+ comments, and hundreds of shares, as users expressed shock and sorrow over the footage.
“This is absolutely terrifying. Praying for those on board,” one user wrote. “I can’t believe this happened it looks like something out of a movie,” another added.
Despite the emotional impact, experts urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims or conspiracy theories about the cause of the crash until official results are published.
“While social media can help spread awareness quickly, it’s important to rely on verified information from the FAA and NTSB,” said aviation blogger Danielle Ross, who has covered similar incidents in the past.
Crystal clear dashcam footage shows doomed #UPS flight without engine that fell off moments before fireball crash that killed at least 12 pic.twitter.com/Ug3XG20SAG
In a joint statement, UPS and the FAA reaffirmed their commitment to full transparency throughout the investigation.
“Safety is our number one priority,” the FAA said. “Our teams will work to identify what caused this tragedy and to ensure it never happens again.”
UPS has since grounded several aircraft of the same model for routine safety inspections. Industry insiders say this is standard procedure following an accident involving a specific aircraft type.
The company has also dispatched crisis response teams to assist the families of crew members and those affected in the surrounding neighborhood.
Local authorities have asked residents to remain clear of the crash zone while cleanup and analysis continue. Temporary road closures remain in place as investigators remove hazardous materials and debris from the site.
In the nearby community center, a small memorial has begun to form, with residents leaving flowers and notes of condolence.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said one volunteer helping coordinate local support efforts. “You see something like this online, but to have it happen right here in our town it changes everything.”
As of now, the official cause of the crash remains under investigation. FAA officials expect to release an initial report in the coming weeks, with a final report to follow once data and material analyses are complete.
In the meantime, the newly surfaced dash cam footage has become a somber reminder of the dangers that even the most routine flights can carry. It also highlights the importance of continued safety improvements in the aviation industry, especially for cargo operations that often fly through difficult weather and tight schedules.