LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fifteen lawsuits were filed on [insert date here] by victims and others impacted by a UPS plane crash, claiming the incident was preventable due to ignored warnings and safety failures.
The lawsuits allege that UPS and associated parties operated an aging MD-11 aircraft despite known structural risks in the engine mount system. Plaintiffs assert the aircraft was unsafe, citing inadequate inspections and maintenance prioritizing cost over safety. “It was known to everybody involved that there was a problem with these planes,” said Masten Childers III of Whiteford Law, emphasizing the potential risk that led to the crash on Nov. 4.
The cases reference a preliminary finding from the National Transportation Safety Board that indicates a fatigue crack in the engine pylon mount may have caused the left engine assembly to detach during takeoff. A final report has not yet been issued.
Additionally, the lawsuits accuse pilot Richard Wartenberg of improperly responding to cockpit warning alarms during takeoff. His estate has been included under “notice pleading” regulations. Justin Peterson of Peterson Law stated, “If you don't add all appropriate parties, you never get to do it again.”
The complaints collectively point to known vulnerabilities in the MD-11, UPS's decision to continue its operation, and failures by Boeing, GE, and maintenance contractors. They also allege insurers delayed recovery efforts for the victims. Attorneys stressed the necessity of punitive damages to prevent similar incidents in the future.
UPS released a statement affirming its support for those affected and ongoing cooperation with the NTSB.