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UPS and FedEx have grounded their combined fleet of more than 50 MD-11 cargo planes after a fatal crash of a UPS MD-11 in Louisville killed 14 people. The 34-year-old aircraft caught fire shortly after takeoff, with investigators confirming one engine detached mid-roll. Both companies described the move as a precautionary step taken on the manufacturer's recommendation. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. FedEx and UPS are now using contingency plans to avoid disruption.
Both UPS and FedEx have grounded all MD-11 freighters after a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this week, killing at least 14 people. The aircraft lifted off from Louisville International Airport and reached a height of about 100 feet before it plunged to the ground, bursting into flames and destroying two nearby businesses. Officials confirmed that one of the plane's three engines detached from the left wing during the takeoff roll. Advertisement
Investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken charge of the probe and said a cockpit warning bell sounded shortly after takeoff, as three UPS pilots attempted to regain control. The crash occurred roughly 37 seconds after the crew requested takeoff thrust, according to the cockpit voice recorder. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report in about a month.
UPS said it grounded its 27 MD-11 aircraft and FedEx grounded 28, making a combined total of over 50 planes. Both carriers described the action as a safety precaution taken on the advice of the aircraft manufacturer. Boeing, which took over the MD-11 line after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, has not yet issued an official comment. The MD-11 program ended in 2000, and its passenger use was discontinued in 2014.
FedEx, with a total fleet of 700 aircraft, stated that it has already activated contingency plans to minimize operational impact. UPS noted that the MD-11 makes up only about 9 per cent of its total fleet, but both companies acknowledged that any potential delay could have wide-ranging effects on global supply chains. UPS remains the primary air cargo carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, handling time-sensitive mail and priority shipments.
The MD-11 involved in the accident was 34 years old. The last major UPS cargo plane crash occurred in August 2013, when an Airbus A300 went down during landing in Birmingham, Alabama, killing both crew members.
Source Reuters
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