The morning of November 4, 2025, started like any other at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport—until it didn’t. UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter loaded with packages bound for destinations across the country, began its takeoff roll. Seconds later, the aircraft’s left engine erupted in flames, violently detaching from the wing and sending the massive cargo plane careening off the runway. The crash killed all three crew members aboard and claimed the lives of 14 people on the ground, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent American history.
For families in Houston and across Texas watching this tragedy unfold, the incident raises urgent questions: What happens when aviation disasters strike? Who’s responsible when cargo planes crash? And if your loved one was killed in an aviation accident—whether as a crew member, ground worker, or innocent bystander—what are your legal rights?
At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we understand that aviation accidents create devastation that extends far beyond the crash site. These complex cases demand experienced legal representation that can hold powerful corporations accountable and secure the compensation families deserve.
The Complexity of Cargo Plane Accidents
Unlike passenger airline disasters that dominate headlines for weeks, cargo plane crashes often receive less public attention—but they’re no less catastrophic for the victims’ families. The UPS Flight 2976 tragedy demonstrates just how deadly these accidents can be, particularly when they occur near populated areas or airports.
Aviation accidents involve multiple potential responsible parties, from airlines and aircraft manufacturers to maintenance contractors and parts suppliers. In the Louisville crash, preliminary investigations point to a catastrophic engine failure—specifically involving the MD-11’s General Electric CF6-80C2 engine. This type of failure raises serious questions about whether proper maintenance was performed, whether the engine design was inherently defective, and whether Boeing (which manufactured the MD-11) adequately addressed known safety issues with this aircraft model.
The MD-11 has a troubled history. Despite being used extensively for cargo operations, the aircraft type has been involved in numerous accidents over its operational life, with several incidents involving engine failures and control difficulties. When an aircraft with known safety problems continues flying, and then crashes, victims’ families have strong grounds for legal action.
Who Bears Legal Responsibility When Aviation Disasters Strike?
Texas law recognizes that aviation accidents typically involve multiple liable parties. Under product liability principles codified in Texas jurisprudence, victims can pursue claims against:
Aircraft Manufacturers: Boeing, which produced the MD-11, may face liability if design defects contributed to the crash. Texas courts have consistently held manufacturers to strict standards when their products cause catastrophic harm.
Engine Manufacturers: General Electric, which built the CF6 engines powering the MD-11, could be liable if engine design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings contributed to the failure.
Airlines: UPS Airlines owes a duty of care to operate aircraft safely, perform required maintenance, and properly train crew members. When airlines cut corners or ignore safety protocols, they can be held accountable.
Maintenance Contractors: Third-party companies that service aircraft must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and industry standards. Negligent maintenance is a common factor in aviation disasters.
In aviation accident cases, we often pursue claims under multiple legal theories simultaneously—product liability for defective equipment, negligence for improper maintenance, and wrongful death for the losses families have suffered.
Texas Wrongful Death Law: What Families Can Recover
When aviation accidents claim lives, Texas law provides specific remedies through the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §§ 71.001-71.031, commonly called the Texas Wrongful Death Act. This statute allows certain family members to seek compensation for their devastating losses.
Under Texas law, wrongful death claims can be brought by the deceased person’s surviving spouse, children, and parents. These family members can recover damages for:
Economic Losses: Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided throughout their lifetime. In aviation cases involving skilled pilots or logistics professionals, these calculations can reach millions of dollars. Loss of benefits, including health insurance and retirement contributions, also factors into economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages: The law recognizes that losing a loved one inflicts harm that transcends money. Families can recover for loss of companionship, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and emotional suffering. Texas courts have awarded substantial non-economic damages in wrongful death cases, acknowledging that some losses simply cannot be measured in dollars.
Loss of Inheritance: When someone dies prematurely, their heirs lose the inheritance they would have eventually received. Texas law allows recovery for this often-overlooked category of damages.
Consider a real-world example: After the 2019 Atlas Air cargo plane crash near Houston, which killed all three crew members, families pursued wrongful death claims that ultimately resulted in settlements reportedly exceeding $93 million. That case involved similar issues—a cargo freighter, engine problems, and multiple defendants including the airline and aircraft manufacturer.
The Critical Two-Year Deadline You Cannot Miss
Here’s something every family must understand: Texas law imposes strict time limits on wrongful death claims. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003(b), wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of death.
Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely—no matter how strong your case or how devastating your losses. Courts have very limited exceptions to this statute of limitations, so waiting or delaying consultation with an aviation accident lawyer in Houston can prove catastrophic to your legal rights.
This two-year clock starts ticking immediately. Meanwhile, airlines and manufacturers begin assembling defense teams within hours of a crash. They secure evidence, interview witnesses, and develop strategies to minimize liability. You need legal representation just as quickly.
Ground Victims Face Different Legal Challenges Than Crew Members
The UPS Louisville crash killed both flight crew and people on the ground—a tragic distinction that creates different legal pathways for affected families.
For families of ground victims, your claims typically proceed as standard wrongful death and personal injury cases against the airline, manufacturers, and other responsible parties. You’re not limited by workers compensation restrictions and can pursue full damages through civil litigation.
For families of crew members, the legal landscape becomes more complex. Pilots and flight engineers are typically covered by workers compensation insurance, which may limit claims against the employer (UPS Airlines in this case). However, families can still pursue third-party claims against aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, and maintenance contractors whose negligence or defective products caused the crash.
As a plane crash attorney in Pasadena Texas, I’ve seen how these distinctions affect recovery options. Ground victims generally have broader legal remedies, while crew member families must carefully structure claims to maximize available compensation while working around employment-related limitations.
Why the MD-11’s History Matters to Your Case
Aircraft with documented safety issues present stronger legal cases for victims’ families. The MD-11, despite its widespread use in cargo operations, has features that have concerned aviation safety experts for years:
The aircraft’s handling characteristics have been described as challenging, particularly during takeoff and landing. Its center-mounted tail engine creates unique weight distribution issues. The MD-11 has been involved in multiple accidents involving loss of control and runway excursions.
When manufacturers like Boeing continue selling aircraft with known problems, or when airlines continue operating aircraft types with troubling safety records, and those aircraft then crash, the evidence supports claims for negligence and product liability. Defense attorneys will argue these incidents are isolated, but skilled aviation lawyers compile the full history to demonstrate patterns of problems that should have triggered action.
Texas Comparative Negligence: Understanding Your Rights Even When Fault Is Shared
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. This means that if the victim bears some responsibility for an accident, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault—but only up to a point.
If a victim is found 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover anything (the “51% bar rule”). However, if they’re 50% or less responsible, they can still recover damages reduced by their fault percentage.
In aviation cases, defendants often try to shift blame to pilots, claiming crew error caused the crash. While pilot actions are scrutinized in every investigation, engine failures and mechanical problems typically point to manufacturer or maintenance negligence rather than crew error. An experienced cargo plane accident lawyer Texas understands how to counter these defense strategies and protect your right to full compensation.
Insurance Coverage Issues in Aviation Accidents
Aviation disasters involve multiple insurance policies, often with coverage limits in the millions or tens of millions of dollars. Airlines carry substantial liability coverage, manufacturers maintain product liability insurance, and various contractors have their own policies.
However, insurance companies don’t simply write large checks after crashes. They investigate extensively, challenge claims, and often offer settlements far below what cases are worth. Having a wrongful death aviation accident attorney Houston on your side ensures someone is fighting for your interests while you grieve and heal.
We’ve seen insurance companies employ tactics like:
- Offering quick settlements before families understand the full value of their claims
- Arguing policy exclusions apply to avoid coverage
- Claiming pre-existing conditions contributed to injuries or deaths
- Delaying investigations to pressure families into accepting lowball offers
Don’t negotiate with insurance adjusters alone. Your statements can be used against you, and accepting an early settlement typically means giving up your right to pursue additional compensation later.
How Joe I. Zaid & Associates Handles Aviation Accident Cases
Aviation accident litigation requires specialized knowledge, substantial resources, and the determination to take on billion-dollar corporations. At our firm, we approach these cases with the seriousness and expertise they demand.
Joe Zaid, founder of Joe I. Zaid & Associates, is a seasoned personal injury attorney whose client-centered approach delivers results for his clients. Since 2013, Joe has represented thousands of clients in cases of personal injury and wrongful death and has recovered millions of dollars in settlements, including numerous seven-figure settlements on behalf of individual clients.
Joe specializes in personal injury cases, ranging from minor impact collisions to those resulting in life-altering injuries. He was nominated by H-Texas Magazine as one of Houston’s Top Lawyers and was also nominated as a Top 40 under 40 Trial Lawyer. He is an active member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
When you work with our firm on an aviation accident case, we:
Investigate Thoroughly: We work with aviation experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers who understand aircraft systems. We obtain maintenance records, pilot training files, and manufacturing documents. We identify all responsible parties.
Build Strong Cases: We don’t rely on speculation. We gather evidence, retain expert witnesses, and develop legal theories supported by Texas law and federal aviation regulations.
Negotiate Aggressively: Most aviation cases settle before trial, but only after extensive negotiation. We know the true value of your case and won’t accept inadequate offers.
Litigate When Necessary: If defendants won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our courtroom experience gives us credibility during negotiations and the ability to present compelling cases to juries.
Common Questions Families Ask After Aviation Accidents
How long will my case take?
Aviation cases typically take 18 months to several years to resolve. The complexity of investigating crashes, identifying all defendants, and negotiating with multiple insurance companies requires time. However, we work as efficiently as possible while building the strongest case for your family.
What if my loved one worked for the airline?
As discussed earlier, crew member cases involve additional considerations around workers compensation. We can pursue claims against third parties like manufacturers and maintenance providers even if workers comp limits claims against the employer.
Can I afford to hire an aviation accident attorney?
We handle wrongful death aviation cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fees come from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket upfront.
What if the crash happened in another state?
We can help Texas residents even when crashes occur elsewhere. Aviation law involves federal regulations that apply nationwide, and we have experience handling cases in multiple jurisdictions.
The Path Forward After Unspeakable Loss
No legal victory brings back loved ones lost in aviation disasters. The empty seat at your dinner table, the milestones they’ll miss, the future you planned together—these losses cut deeper than any compensation can reach.
But legal action serves important purposes beyond financial recovery. It holds negligent corporations accountable, potentially preventing future tragedies. It provides resources to help families rebuild their lives. And it delivers a measure of justice in the aftermath of preventable disasters.
If your family has been affected by the UPS cargo plane crash or any aviation accident, you don’t have to face this alone. At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we combine legal expertise with genuine compassion for what you’re experiencing.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Time is critical in aviation accident cases. Evidence must be preserved, witnesses interviewed, and legal actions initiated before deadlines expire. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
Joe I. Zaid & Associates
Office: (346) 756-9243
4710 Vista Rd. Suite E, Pasadena, TX 77505
As a dedicated UPS plane crash lawyer and Houston aviation wrongful death attorney, we’re ready to fight for your family’s rights. Call us now to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal battles while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
