Home / Disasters and Accidents / UPS Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Crash
UPS Grounds MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Crash
28 Nov
Summary
- UPS grounded its MD-11 fleet indefinitely following a fatal crash.
- Inspections and repairs may last several months, impacting peak season.
- A Nov. 4 crash killed 14 people and injured 23 in Louisville, Kentucky.
UPS Airlines has grounded its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes indefinitely, following a deadly crash that claimed 14 lives. The decision comes as the company works to comply with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, with the inspection and repair process now projected to extend for several months, potentially disrupting peak delivery season operations.
The grounding stems from a fiery MD-11 crash on November 4th in Louisville, Kentucky, where the left engine detached during takeoff, resulting in 14 fatalities and 23 injuries. Following this incident, cargo carriers began grounding their MD-11 fleets proactively, even before an official directive from the FAA.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aging MD-11 fleet which averages over 30 years old, is collaborating with operators to establish inspection procedures and provide technical support to meet FAA requirements. UPS has stated it will utilize contingency plans to ensure customer deliveries continue throughout the busy season.
