A UPS cargo jet was forced to execute an emergency “go-around” maneuver Tuesday morning following a dangerous near-collision on the runway at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). The incident, which narrowly avoided a catastrophe at the global shipping giant’s primary hub, comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety protocols and follows a devastating crash involving the carrier’s fleet just months prior.
Close Call at the SDF Hub
The event unfolded at approximately 12:28 a.m. local time as UPS Flight 1303, a Boeing 767, was on its final approach to the Kentucky airfield. According to telemetry data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft had descended to just 500 feet above the ground when it was suddenly forced to abort its landing. The flight crew initiated a rapid ascent, climbing to 1,500 feet in seconds to clear the airspace above the runway.
| Incident Detail | Data Point |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | UPS Flight 1303 |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 767 |
| Minimum Altitude | 500 Feet |
| Location | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) |
| Time | 12:28 AM Local |
Critical Air Traffic Control Intervention
Leaked audio recordings from the control tower highlight the urgency of the situation. An air traffic controller was heard shouting commands to a smaller jet, identified as SKQ-25 (SkyLab), which had strayed into the path of the incoming heavy cargo plane. “Two-Five, stop!” the controller commanded, before immediately ordering the UPS crew to “go around.”
Following the successful maneuver, the controller was recorded questioning the pilot of the smaller aircraft: “SkyLab Two-Five, what are you doing?” The exchange underscores a potential breach of runway safety protocols that is currently under internal review.
UPS Statement on Safety Procedures
In a statement provided to regional news outlets, a UPS spokesperson confirmed that the flight crew followed standard safety procedures. Michelle Polk, speaking for the company, explained that a “go-around” is a routine, though serious, maneuver used when a landing cannot be completed safely. The aircraft eventually circled the airport and landed without further incident.
“There was no operational impact, and most importantly, no injuries were reported,” Polk stated. While the company maintains that the maneuver was “safely conducted,” the proximity of the two aircraft remains a point of concern for aviation analysts.
Why Louisville Matters to Global Logistics
For readers in Western New York and beyond, the safety of the Louisville hub is of paramount importance. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, a massive 5.2 million-square-foot facility that serves as the central nervous system for the company’s global air network. Any disruption at this facility can lead to significant delays in the supply chain, affecting everything from local business inventory in Buffalo to residential deliveries across the East Coast.
A Troubled Safety Record
This latest “near-miss” adds to a tense period for the shipping company. It follows a tragic accident in November 2025, where a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after departure from the same airport. That incident resulted in 15 fatalities, including three crew members and 12 individuals on the ground. In the wake of that tragedy, UPS made the strategic decision to retire its remaining MD-11 fleet earlier this year, citing safety and modernization efforts.
Lake Erie Times will continue to monitor this story as the FAA and local authorities investigate the cause of the runway incursion.
About the Author: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for the Lake Erie Times, specializing in investigative journalism and regional dynamics. With a commitment to accuracy and integrity, Strasmore provides in-depth analysis of community affairs and major regional events for the Western New York audience. For more reporting from William, visit his author profile here.
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