In brief
A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals critical information about the recent UPS cargo plane crash that resulted in 14 fatalities in Louisville, Kentucky. Images show the left engine detaching during takeoff, linked to cracks in the engine mount. Investigators are scrutinizing the maintenance practices of UPS, which had not scheduled a detailed inspection despite prior fractures. The NTSB and UPS are working together to ascertain the root cause, as UPS grounds its MD-11 fleet during ongoing investigations.
The recent crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky, which resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives, has prompted a thorough investigation by federal authorities. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released preliminary findings that highlighted potential failures in the engine mount of the aircraft.
On November 4th, the MD-11 cargo plane took off but only managed to ascend about 30 feet before a left engine detached and surged over the wing, resulting in a catastrophic fire. This horrifying sequence has been captured in newly unveiled photos, illustrating the devastating moment prior to the crash.
According to the NTSB's initial findings, the plane's engine mount exhibited cracks that may have contributed significantly to the failure. Notably, the aircraft was not scheduled for an in-depth inspection for almost 7,000 more takeoffs and landings. The last review of its condition occurred in October 2021, which raises questions about the adequacy of existing maintenance protocols.
As UPS Airlines president Bill Moore mentioned, the company is fully cooperating with investigators to establish the root cause of the disaster. “Once we determine that, then they’ll be able to develop an inspection plan,” Moore stated during a news conference. “Can we inspect it? If so, how do we repair it? How do we put it back together? And then eventually return the fleet to service.”
In the wake of this disaster, UPS has grounded its MD-11 fleet, opting for alternative aircraft to manage operations during the holiday season. The inquiry aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure passenger and aircraft safety through improved maintenance checks and inspection schedules.
