Tri-State native killed in Dubai plane crash

CINCINNATI - A Westwood native was one of two pilots killed when their UPS Cargo plane crashed in Dubai Friday.

Captain Doug Lampe and First Officer Matthew Bell of Florida had just taken off from Dubai International Airport when their plane crashed in an unpopulated area yesterday.

Friends and family of Doug Lampe, who grew up in Westwood and graduated from Western Hills High School in 1980, say he always wanted to fly.

Lampe's brother-in-law, Phil Richter, says the family is coping "the best way they can with the belief that he's moved on to a better world."

In recent years Lampe has been living in Louisville with his wife, Cindy, and two young children. Lampe, 48, had been with UPS since 1995. He flew out of UPS's Anchorage, Alaska, pilot base.

"This is a terrible tragedy, and all of us at UPS extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of both of these crew members," UPS CEO Scott Davis said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them during this difficult time."

The National Transportation Safety Board will assist United Arab Emirates authorities in the investigation. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

UPS said the aircraft was three years old, was up to date on all maintenance and underwent an inspection in June.

UPS also sent representatives to Dubai to cooperate with authorities in the investigation. "We established an internal command center within minutes of learning of this tragedy. It will be staffed around the clock with experts from every part of our operation," said UPS Airlines
President Bob Lekites.