Captain Richard Wartenberg • First Officer Lee Truitt • Captain Dana Diamond
For all who knew them — family, friends, colleagues, and the wider aviation community
In the days and weeks that followed, their names became known far beyond the cockpit — as friends remembered them, colleagues mourned them, and communities grappled with the shock and grief of loss.
The Flight That Never Reached Its Destination
UPS Flight 2976 was scheduled as a long‑haul cargo run, one of many critical links in the global logistics chain. Departing Louisville in the late afternoon, the aircraft — an MD‑11F built in 1991 — was preparing for its nonstop journey to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. Moments after starting its takeoff roll, fire was observed in the left wing area. Surveillance footage later showed a catastrophic separation of the engine from the wing — a horrifying sequence that led to loss of control and the aircraft crashing into structures off the airport perimeter, exploding in a massive fireball.
Despite an immediate and massive emergency response, none of the 3 crew survived, and multiple individuals on the ground lost their lives. In total, authorities later confirmed 14 fatalities, including the three pilots and 11 people on the ground. Families were notified, and the community began the arduous path through mourning and memorials.
Captain Richard Wartenberg: A Life of Service and Skill
Captain Richard Wartenberg, age 57, was more than a pilot — he was a mentor, a neighbor, and a quiet example of steadfast dedication. According to official records and reporting, Wartenberg was a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, having served with distinction in the 445th Airlift Wing. His military career was a testament to discipline and a deep commitment to aviation, laying a foundation for his later role at UPS.
Neighbors in Kentucky remembered him not just as the pilot they saw briefly or the UPS captain they had heard about, but as someone deeply grounded in his community. One neighbor recalled that Wartenberg was someone you could rely on — always willing to lend a hand, to check in, to be a presence of calm stability. They spoke of him as “a neat neighbor” and “a nice guy” who would ask if you needed anything and meant it sincerely.
Wartenberg had accumulated thousands of flight hours over his career — reportedly over 8,600 total flight hours, including nearly 4,918 in the MD‑11. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent decades of expertise, calm under pressure, and a lifetime dedicated to flight. Every hour logged was another testament to a man who loved the skies — and who knew intimately the responsibility of commanding a large, complex aircraft.
Lee Truitt, age 45, served as the First Officer on Flight 2976 — the pilot actively flying the aircraft when disaster struck. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Truitt’s path to UPS was marked by passion for aviation and deep engagement with communities he touched.
Before joining UPS, Truitt had worked with SkyWest Airlines — where he developed his skills flying commercial aircraft and building relationships with colleagues. He was also engaged outside the cockpit. Reports noted his involvement in volunteer work, including supporting public radio — a reflection of a man whose interests and contributions extended beyond his professional duties.
Truitt’s career encompassed approximately 9,200 total flight hours, including roughly 994 hours in the MD‑11. These hours demonstrated not only his experience but also an unwavering commitment to honing his craft. For pilots, logging thousands of hours reflects long nights, early mornings, countless takeoffs and landings, and a devotion to mastering the art and science of flight.
Friends and former coworkers described him as reliable, generous, and dedicated — someone who embodied the values of teamwork and professionalism it takes to operate at the highest levels of aviation.
Captain Dana Diamond: The Reliever With a Lifetime of Lessons
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