LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The widow of a pilot killed in the November crash of UPS Flight 2976 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against several aviation companies.
Dana Diamond, the international relief officer aboard the flight, died when the MD-11F cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Nov. 4, 2025. The aircraft had departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and was headed to Honolulu.
According to the lawsuit, as the plane attempted takeoff, its left engine detached, causing the aircraft to crash moments later.
Lawsuit Filed in Jefferson County
On Feb. 25, Donna Diamond filed the lawsuit against VT San Antonio Aerospace, Boeing, and General Electric.
The complaint alleges wrongful death, negligence, strict products liability, and damages, including loss of spousal consortium. It states that Donna Diamond “suffered, and continues to suffer, loss of spousal consortium.”
“Even more tragic, Defendants could have prevented Dana’s suffering and death with simple honesty and a little bit of care. But they didn’t,” the lawsuit claims.
Focus on Aircraft and Maintenance
Boeing manufactured the MD-11F aircraft, while General Electric produced the engine. VT San Antonio Aerospace performed maintenance on the plane in the months leading up to the crash.
Investigators have closely examined maintenance conducted between Sept. 3 and Oct. 18 in San Antonio. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it dispatched personnel to retrieve maintenance records from the more than six weeks the aircraft remained grounded before returning to service.
Mark Lanier, the lead attorney for the plaintiff, said the engine separation points to deeper failures.
“When an engine separates from a wing seconds after takeoff, that’s not an accident,” Lanier said. “That’s a failure by the companies responsible for building and maintaining that aircraft.”
Damages Sought
The lawsuit seeks punitive damages and requests a trial by jury. Filed in Jefferson County, the complaint states that the damages sought exceed the amount the court is permitted to award.
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