LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a two-day investigative hearing on May 19 and 20 in Washington, D.C., regarding the fatal UPS cargo plane crash that occurred on November 4, 2022.
The hearing aims to gather information pertinent to the ongoing investigation, which will be livestreamed for public access. Participation is limited to NTSB board members, investigators, witnesses, and designated parties.
All three crew members aboard the aircraft died, along with 12 individuals on the ground, with several others sustaining injuries. Preliminary reports from the NTSB indicate cracks and failures in the plane's pylon, the component connecting the engine to the wing. Specific findings include “fatigue cracks” in the left pylon aft mount lugs and a fractured aft spherical bearing race.
The NTSB noted the pylon exhibited “areas of overstress failure.” Additionally, it was reported that Boeing was aware of a pre-existing flaw but deemed it did not compromise the aircraft's safety. Following the incident, both UPS and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11 aircraft, which were later retired.
Former lead NTSB investigator Todd Inman was removed last month, with John DeLeeuw appointed as his successor.