What was the probable cause of the accident?

an in-flight cargo fire that initiated from an unknown source, which was most likely located within cargo container 12, 13, or 14. Contributing to the loss of the aircraft were the inadequate certification test requirements for smoke and fire detection systems and the lack of an on-board fire suppression system.

Cargo Smoke Prompts Evacuation of UPS Flight 1307; Aircraft Destroyed by Fire (N748UP)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Feb 2006 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration N748UP, operated by United Parcel Service CO, at Philadelphia, PA.

On February 8, 2006, a Douglas DC-8 (registration N748UP) operated by United Parcel Service CO was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an in-flight cargo fire that initiated from an unknown source, which was most likely located within cargo container 12, 13, or 14. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data API Editorial standards

On February 7, 2006, UPS Flight 1307, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F, landed at Philadelphia International Airport after a cockpit smoke indication. The three crew members evacuated with minor injuries; the airplane and most cargo were destroyed by fire.

Incident Overview

On February 7, 2006, about 2359 eastern standard time, United Parcel Service Company flight 1307 (UPS 1307), a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F registered as N748UP, landed at its destination airport, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The landing followed a cargo smoke indication in the cockpit. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a scheduled cargo flight on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Night visual conditions prevailed at the time.

Evacuation and Injuries

After landing, the captain, first officer, and flight engineer evacuated the airplane. The three flight crew members sustained minor injuries. The airplane and most of the cargo were destroyed by fire that occurred after landing.

Fire and Damage

The post-landing fire consumed the aircraft and the majority of its cargo. The extent of damage prevented further operation of the airplane.

Investigation

The Safety Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2007/AAR0707.pdf (Aircraft Accident Report number NTSB/AAR-07/07). The report documents the circumstances of the accident but does not state a probable cause in the provided excerpt.

In-flight fire & smoke

Cargo Smoke Prompts Evacuation of UPS Flight 1307; Aircraft Destroyed by Fire (N748UP)

Incident Overview

Evacuation and Injuries

Fire and Damage

Investigation

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