The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order on Saturday, instructing MD-11 aircraft to cease flying temporarily for inspections following a fatal UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Ky., which claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals last Tuesday. Both UPS and FedEx have grounded their combined fleet of over 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes based on Boeing’s recommendation.
The emergency airworthiness directive from the FAA was prompted by the recent crash, where the left engine and pylon detached from the plane during takeoff, leading to concerns about safe flight and landing. UPS has confirmed compliance with the directive by grounding its 26 MD-11 planes, accounting for approximately nine percent of its fleet.
Boeing has expressed support for the FAA order, having taken over the MD-11 program from McDonnell Douglas in a merger back in 1997. It is anticipated that the FAA will mandate thorough engine and pylon inspections before permitting the planes to resume operations. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is spearheading the investigation into the crash, which involved a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter departing from Louisville for Honolulu.
Witnesses described the crash as a harrowing event, with the plane encountering a fire in the left wing shortly after takeoff. Airport surveillance footage revealed the left engine separating from the wing during the takeoff roll, but the aircraft managed to clear the runway boundary before crashing. Tragically, the massive plane was engulfed in flames, causing damage to nearby establishments.
Safety investigators disclosed that the three UPS pilots aboard the plane had made efforts to regain control before the crash occurred. The cause of the engine detachment is currently under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation by aviation authorities.
