In brief
Two weeks after a UPS cargo plane crash near Muhammad Ali International Airport resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released initial findings. Dramatic images show the catastrophic failure of the left engine, which became detached just after takeoff. The NTSB cited cracks in the engine mount as a potential cause of the accident, sparking a review of inspection schedules in the aviation industry. UPS has halted its MD-11 fleet as investigations continue.
Federal investigators released dramatic photos Thursday of an engine disconnecting from a doomed UPS cargo plane that crashed two weeks ago, killing 14 people in Kentucky. Evidence has emerged of cracks in the left wing’s engine mount, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported, based on data from the flight recorder during the Nov. 4 disaster near Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The MD-11 aircraft only managed to ascend 30 feet (9.1 meters) off the ground before the catastrophic failure. Tragically, three pilots and 11 individuals on the ground lost their lives in the incident.
The NTSB's preliminary report highlighted that the plane, which had not yet been scheduled for an extensive inspection concerning key engine mount components, was last checked in October 2021, with nearly 7,000 additional takeoffs and landings anticipated before its next major service.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti remarked, “It seems that UPS was following maintenance protocols within the required timeframe, yet it raises the question whether those requirements are sufficient,” in response to the findings.
The NTSB has also unveiled a series of images documenting the moment the engine detached and flew over the wing as the aircraft rolled down the runway, concluding with the final snapshot of the plane igniting in flames during its brief airborne moment.
Earlier this week, UPS Airlines President Bill Moore emphasized that the company is committed to collaborating with investigators to pinpoint the root cause of the crash. He remarked, “Once we establish that, we can develop an inspection plan. This includes determining if an inspection is feasible, how to enact repairs where necessary, and ultimately, how to restore fleet operations.” UPS has subsequently grounded all MD-11s and will rely on different aircraft throughout the significant holiday season.
