The US aviation authority mandated on Saturday that all MD-11 cargo planes undergo inspections after a fatal crash in Kentucky involving one of these aircraft.
A UPS-operated McDonnell Douglas MD-11 burst into flames following a crash shortly after takeoff from Louisville airport on Tuesday, resulting in at least 14 fatalities. The aircraft had a three-member crew onboard.
Subsequently, UPS and FedEx grounded their MD-11 fleets. Boeing, which owns McDonnell Douglas, advised all operators to suspend use of these planes.
On Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency directive to “prohibit further flights until inspections and necessary corrective measures are completed.”
The directive, targeting MD-11 and MD-11F models, was issued after an accident where the left-hand engine and pylon detached during takeoff.
“The agency believes the unsafe condition may exist or develop in other models of the same design,” it stated.
UPS announced on Friday it would “temporarily ground” its MD-11s “as a precaution and for safety,” noting the model comprises about nine percent of its fleet.
FedEx confirmed on Saturday it had grounded its 28 MD-11s from a total fleet of roughly 700 for a safety review.
Both companies acted following the manufacturer’s recommendation. McDonnell Douglas, the MD-11’s original maker, was acquired by Boeing in 1997.
Boeing recommended the three MD-11 Freighter operators suspend operations pending further engineering analysis.
Western Global Airlines is the only other MD-11 user.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported another victim found, raising the death toll to 14.
“Please keep the families, Louisville community, and all affected in your thoughts,” he posted on X.
Debris Trail
The aircraft, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel for a Hawaii-bound flight, narrowly avoided a major Ford assembly plant employing about 3,000 individuals.
Aerial footage revealed an extensive debris trail as firefighters battled the flames, with smoke emanating from the site.
Todd Inman from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that investigators retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders—known as black boxes—for analysis in Washington.
This crash is reportedly the deadliest in UPS’s history. Its main hub, Worldport, is based in Louisville, employing thousands.
The NTSB stated that the plane, built in 1991, was later converted to a cargo aircraft.
This incident occurs amidst the longest US government shutdown, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of potential “mass chaos” due to air traffic control staff shortages.
Inman mentioned the NTSB was unaware of any staffing issues at Louisville’s airport during the crash.
