The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a directive halting the operation of MD-11 aircraft for inspection following a fatal UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Ky. The crash, which resulted in the death of at least 14 individuals, led UPS and FedEx to ground their combined fleet of over 50 MD-11 cargo planes based on Boeing’s recommendation.
The FAA’s emergency airworthiness directive was prompted by the crash on Tuesday, where the left engine and pylon separated from the aircraft during takeoff. The cause of this detachment is currently under investigation, with the FAA expressing concerns about potential safety risks during flight and landing due to this condition.
UPS confirmed compliance with the directive by grounding its 26 MD-11 planes, constituting approximately nine percent of its fleet. Boeing has expressed support for the FAA’s order, noting its acquisition of the MD-11 program through the merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
Authorities anticipate that comprehensive engine and pylon inspections will be necessary before allowing the affected planes to resume operations. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash of the 34-year-old MD-11 freighter at the airport in Louisville. The incident occurred as the plane, carrying three individuals, was departing for Honolulu from UPS’s aviation hub.
Witnesses described the crash as a harrowing experience, with a large fire erupting in the left wing during takeoff. Airport security footage captured the left engine detaching from the wing as the plane gained altitude before ultimately crashing. The aircraft was engulfed in flames, causing damage to nearby establishments.
According to U.S. safety investigators, the UPS pilots onboard attempted to regain control of the aircraft moments before the crash. The FAA is expected to enforce stringent safety measures, including thorough inspections, before allowing MD-11 planes to return to service.