LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The National Transportation Safety Board member investigating the UPS plane crash in Louisville was fired by the White House over allegations of drinking on the job, harassing staff and misusing government resources.
Todd Inman vehemently denied those allegations Monday. Inman is likely a familiar face in Louisville. He was on scene in the aftermath of the Nov. 4 UPS plane crash. Acting as a spokesperson, the Kentucky native, born in Calvert City, spoke frequently at briefings following the crash. He also would have voted to approve or amend the final report on the crash when it is completed.
Inman said in a statement Sunday that he had been fired Friday without explanation, though his term on the board was set to continue through the end of 2027, according to The Associated Press.
But President Donald Trump's administration said Monday that it believes the firing is justified. A spokesperson for the White House said Inman was removed after "highly concerning reports of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings."
"The Trump administration remains committed to maintaining safety and security for Americans in the air and on the ground," White House spokesman Kush Desai said.
Denying the allegations, Inman called the action a "political hit job."
“I categorically deny the allegations made in the White House statement. It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job,” said Inman, a Republican who was appointed in March 2024 during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Inman was also the public face of another major investigation. He was the lead board member on scene after last year's midair collision near Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people after an airliner collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. In that case, the NTSB found the FAA and U.S. Army were at fault.
The website for the five-member NTSB board only shows three members following Inman's firing and the dismissal of Vice Chair Alvin Brown, a Democrat appointed by Biden, in May. The U.S. Senate recently confirmed American Airlines executive John DeLeeuw to replace Brown, who accused President Trump's administration of racial discrimination. At the time of his firing, experts said they could not remember anyone ever being removed from the NTSB.
According to the AP, the five-member NTSB is supposed to be split between three members of the president's party and two members of the other party. After Inman's firing and the addition of DeLeeuw, the board will be split evenly, 2-2, between the parties, and Trump will be able to appoint a third Republican.
The NTSB said Inman's firing does not change the timeline of the investigation into the Louisville UPS plane crash. And a spokesperson for the city said there has been no indication the investigation will be impacted.
Inman said Monday that he hadn't initially planned to sue over his firing, but now says, “I look forward to defending my reputation through all legal means possible.”
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
