UPS and FedEx ground their MD-11 fleets for safety review after a deadly Louisville crash. Investigators say an engine detached shortly after takeoff.
Fatal Incident Sparks Fleet Action
United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx confirmed Friday that they have grounded more than 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft after a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this week. The move follows the deaths of at least 14 people when a UPS MD-11 went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport late Tuesday night, erupting into flames. The decision to halt operations is described as precautionary while authorities examine what went wrong.
Where the Crash Occurred and Immediate Aftermath
The aircraft crashed just off the runway area, destroying two nearby businesses and leaving wreckage strewn across the site. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the rising death toll in a statement shared on social media platform X on Friday. The city has since coordinated emergency response teams and support services for affected families. Local officials say the area around the crash remains under restricted access during the investigation.
Investigation and Mechanical Focus
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the inquiry. Early assessments indicate that one of the plane’s three engines detached from its left wing during takeoff. Investigators also reported that a warning bell sounded in the cockpit roughly 37 seconds after takeoff thrust was applied. Three UPS pilots attempted to regain control before the aircraft descended. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days as mechanical records, cockpit voice recordings, and maintenance logs are reviewed.
Industry Response and Safety Precaution
Both UPS and FedEx said the grounding decision was made following a recommendation from Boeing, which absorbed the MD-11 line after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing stated it is coordinating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure operational safety. Production of the MD-11 ended in 2000, and the aircraft now flies exclusively in freight service.
Impact on Global Shipping Networks
FedEx, which operates 28 MD-11s within its fleet of 700 aircraft, said it is implementing contingency plans to avoid shipping delays. UPS noted its 27 MD-11 aircraft represent about nine percent of its total fleet but acknowledged that any disruption could affect delivery schedules. Both carriers play central roles in e-commerce and logistics networks, transporting goods for major retailers and serving as primary partners for government and business shipments. UPS remains the leading air cargo transport provider for the U.S. Postal Service.
Historical Context and Safety Record
The Louisville crash marks the most deadly cargo aircraft incident involving UPS since 2013, when an Airbus aircraft went down near Birmingham, Alabama, killing two crew members. Aviation analysts note that while the MD-11 has a long service history, its handling characteristics have been scrutinized during takeoff and landing phases. Regulators and airlines are monitoring whether the latest findings could influence future fleet retirements or safety directives.
