Boeing Recommends MD-11 Grounding After Fatal UPS Crash; FedEx and UPS Comply
Boeing recommended grounding MD-11 freighter aircraft after a fatal UPS crash in Louisville, leading UPS and FedEx to temporarily halt their fleets.
Overview
Boeing has recommended the grounding of all MD-11 freighter aircraft after a fatal crash involving a UPS MD-11 in Louisville, Kentucky.
UPS and FedEx temporarily grounded their MD-11 cargo fleets, representing 9% of UPS's and 4% of FedEx's aircraft, following Boeing's grounding recommendation.
A 1991 UPS MD-11 crashed shortly after takeoff from UPS Worldport, resulting in 14 fatalities, including three pilots and crew members.
Reports indicate cockpit alarms sounded before the incident, with dramatic video showing the aircraft crashing into businesses and igniting in a large fireball.
The NTSB is investigating the crash cause, examining factors like the plane's maintenance history and operational conditions.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral in their coverage of the UPS cargo plane crash and the subsequent grounding of MD-11 aircraft. They focus on reporting factual updates from official sources and involved companies, maintaining an objective tone. The articles prioritize conveying key information without employing loaded language or selective emphasis, ensuring a straightforward presentation of events.
Sources (11)
FAQ
The exact cause of the UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville is under investigation by the NTSB, which is examining factors such as the aircraft's maintenance history, operational conditions, and cockpit alarms sounded before the crash.
Boeing recommended grounding all MD-11 freighter aircraft to ensure safety and allow for investigation following the fatal UPS crash that highlighted potential issues with the MD-11 fleet's operation and safety.
The MD-11 comprised about 9% of UPS's and 4% of FedEx's aircraft fleets, indicating a notable but not dominant role in their cargo operations.
Historically, the MD-11 has faced performance and handling challenges, including failures to meet advertised range and fuel-burn targets, and a history of accidents including hard landings and rollovers, prompting safety recommendations and training improvements by the NTSB.
Notable precedents include the Boeing 737 MAX grounding due to MCAS system flaws causing crashes and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 grounding after an engine separation incident; these groundings prioritize safety and thorough investigations before aircraft return to service.
History
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