A UPS cargo plane aborted its landing at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport early Tuesday after a Labcorp-owned jet approached the runway, forcing a go-around maneuver. The incident occurred around 12:10 a.m. local time, with no injuries reported.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The UPS Boeing 767, arriving from Atlanta, was about 125 feet from the ground when air traffic controllers ordered it to perform a go-around. The Labcorp plane, identified as Skylab 25, had moved past the hold short bars on the taxiway, triggering alarms in the control tower. Controllers shouted, "What are you doing?" to the Labcorp pilot, who apologized. Flight data shows the Labcorp plane never entered the runway.
Deeper Dive & Context
The UPS pilot had already initiated the go-around before the tower's order, according to audio recordings. UPS confirmed the maneuver followed standard procedures, with no operational impact. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated both planes maintained required separation.
The incident occurred at the same airport where a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff in November 2025, killing 14 people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plans hearings on the crash starting May 19. UPS Worldport, the company's largest hub, is located at the airport.
Air Traffic Control & Pilot Communication
Controllers and pilots communicated via radio, with the UPS crew reporting difficulty contacting the Labcorp pilot. The FAA is reviewing the incident, though no violations have been confirmed.
Safety Measures & Industry Response
UPS has not grounded additional aircraft following the incident. The FAA emphasizes adherence to runway clearance protocols, while industry experts note the rarity of such near-misses at major hubs.