A UPS cargo jet was forced to abort its landing at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport after a close call with another aircraft on the runway — just five months after a separate cargo plane crashed at the same airport, killing 14 people.
The Boeing 767, en route from Atlanta, was preparing to touch down just after midnight Tuesday when an SKQ-25 plane was spotted taxiing on the runway. An air traffic controller’s frantic yell was captured on audio: “Skylab two five stop. Skylab two five. What are you doing?”
The controller then ordered the UPS jet to “go around” — an emergency procedure in which an aircraft aborts its landing and circles back. A FlightRadar map showed the two planes narrowly missing each other.
UPS spokesperson Michelle Polk confirmed the plane carried out the go‑around procedure “beautifully,” but could not confirm how close the jet came to disaster. The Federal Aviation Administration said “the required separation was maintained,” but did not specify the distance.
A Troubled Airport: Louisville’s Deadly History
The near‑miss comes just five months after a cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the same airport, killing 14 people.
November 2024 crash details:
- A fully loaded cargo plane crashed into nearby businesses
- 14 people died, including three UPS crew members and 11 others on the ground
- The plane reached only 30 feet before plummeting
- The left engine separated from the aircraft, according to an NTSB preliminary report
- One critically injured victim, Alain Rodriguez Colina, died on Christmas Day, bringing the final death toll to 15
The airport is home to UPS’s massive “Worldport” hub, which processes 2 million packages per day. UPS is the largest employer in the Louisville area, with 20,000 workers at the center.
What Happened in the Near‑Miss
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (just after midnight) |
| Location | Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky |
| Aircraft 1 | UPS Boeing 767, arriving from Atlanta |
| Aircraft 2 | SKQ‑25 (small private or training aircraft) |
| Controller’s words | “Skylab two five stop. What are you doing?” |
| Outcome | UPS jet executed go‑around, both aircraft safe |
| FAA statement | “Required separation was maintained” |
The incident has reignited safety concerns at an airport still reeling from the November tragedy. While the FAA maintains that proper separation was kept, the controller’s alarmed tone suggests the situation was closer than officials are letting on.
Go‑Arounds: A Critical Safety Procedure
A go‑around is a standard maneuver in which a pilot aborts a landing and climbs back to traffic pattern altitude. It is used when a runway is obstructed, the approach is unstable, or air traffic control orders it. In this case, the controller’s command likely prevented a catastrophic collision.
“Go‑arounds are routine,” said aviation safety expert John Nance. “But when a controller screams ‘What are you doing?’ into the mic, that’s not routine. That’s a close call.”
What Happens Next
- FAA review: The agency will investigate the incident to determine if any violations occurred.
- NTSB notification: The National Transportation Safety Board has been made aware of the near‑miss.
- UPS statement: The company praised its pilots but declined to comment on potential safety gaps.
- Airport scrutiny: The Louisville airport’s safety record is now under a microscope following two major incidents in five months.
FAQ: UPS Near‑Miss at Louisville Airport
Q: Did the UPS jet almost crash?
A: It was forced to abort its landing because another plane was on the runway. The FAA says “required separation was maintained,” but the controller’s panicked tone suggests it was very close.
Q: How many people died in the November crash at the same airport?
A: 15 people died — three UPS crew members and 12 others (including one who died weeks later from injuries).
Q: What is a go‑around?
A: An aborted landing procedure in which the pilot pulls up and circles for another attempt.
Q: Was anyone hurt in the near‑miss?
A: No injuries or damage were reported.
Q: What is UPS Worldport?
A: A massive package sorting hub at Louisville airport, processing 2 million packages per day.
