A UPS cargo plane was involved in an accident in Birmingham, Alabama.

UPS has been notified that two of our crewmembers lost their lives in the accident involving UPS Flight 1354 at approximately 6 a.m. EDT today in Birmingham, Ala. However, UPS cannot disclose their names pending confirmation from the local coroner's office.

The two pilots were flying an Airbus A300-600F from Louisville, Ky., to Birmingham when it was involved in an accident at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

"All of us at UPS extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these two crew members," said UPS Chairman and CEO Scott Davis. "Our efforts now are primarily focused on helping the families."

The UPS Family Assistance Team already has reached out to support the crew members' families during this difficult time, Davis said.

"We place utmost importance on the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve," Davis said. "UPS is participating in the investigation." The NTSB has taken the lead on the investigation and will release all information on its progress.

"The news from Birmingham is tragic," said the president of the Independent Pilots Association, Captain Robert Travis. "UPS and the Independent Pilots Association lost two pilots who were dear friends, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families. IPA is working in full coordination and cooperation with UPS, the NTSB and local authorities."
 

The Jefferson County, Alabama, Medical Examiner has confirmed that two of our crew members, Captain Cerea Beal, Jr. and First Officer Shanda Fanning, lost their lives in the accident involving UPS Flight 1354.

Captain Beal, a resident of Matthews, N.C., was 58 years old. He has been with UPS since 1990. Capt. Beal served more than six years in the Marines as a heavy lift helicopter pilot.

First Officer Fanning, a resident of Lynchburg, Tenn., was 37 years old. She has been with UPS since 2006. First Officer Fanning was active and well-known in the community of Lynchburg. She was known for being an aviation enthusiast.

The UPS Family Assistance Team is providing support to the crew members' families during this difficult time. The entire UPS family sends our condolences and will keep the Beal and Fanning families in our thoughts and prayers.