LOUISVILLE, KY — Investigation Continues into Deadly UPS Plane Crash
An investigation into the November 2022 crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, which killed 15 people, is intensifying, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The cargo plane, an MD-11, lost its left engine during takeoff at Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all three pilots and 12 individuals on the ground. Twenty-three others sustained injuries.
NTSB hearings began Tuesday in Washington, focusing on previously unreported issues with the spherical bearings that secure engine mounts. According to authorities, there were 10 prior instances of similar defects in these parts over the past 15 years, but only four were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The investigation seeks to understand why these issues were overlooked before the crash.
Witnesses reported seeing dramatic images of the MD-11 as its engine detached, igniting flames before the aircraft barely cleared the airport fence and crashed into nearby businesses.
The UPS crew had switched planes following a fuel leak in their original aircraft shortly before the flight. Investigators found cracks in parts that connected the engine to the wing, which had not been detected during routine maintenance.
In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA grounded all MD-11 and DC-10 planes. NTSB member Tom Chapman highlighted that all known defects should have been reported to ensure safety. The investigations will continue for over a year, with a comprehensive report anticipated thereafter.
FedEx has resumed flights with MD-11s following the FAA's approval of new replacement parts and enhanced inspection protocols, while UPS plans to retire its fleet of MD-11s.