In brief
Dramatic photographs released by federal investigators reveal the left engine of a UPS cargo plane broke off, leading to the aircraft's crash shortly after takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 4. The incident resulted in the death of three pilots and 11 individuals on the ground. Preliminary reports indicate cracks were found in the engine mount. UPS Airlines is cooperating with investigations as it grounds its MD-11 fleet during the holiday season.
Federal investigators released shocking images on Thursday showing the engine of a UPS cargo plane that tragically crashed two weeks ago, leading to the loss of 14 lives in Kentucky. The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cites evidence of cracks in the left wing’s engine mount.
The MD-11 plane only managed to ascend 30 feet off the ground, according to data from the flight recorder. This devastating incident occurred on November 4, near the Muhammad Ali International Airport.
All three pilots aboard the aircraft perished, along with 11 individuals located on the ground close to the runway.
The NTSB further clarified that the plane had not reached its scheduled detailed inspection timeframe for essential engine mount components, having yet to complete nearly 7,000 takeoffs and landings. The last thorough examination took place in October 2021.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti commented on the report, suggesting that UPS complied with maintenance requirements, but raised concerns about whether those timeframes are sufficiently robust to ensure safety in the long term.
Images from the NTSB depict the left engine detaching from the plane and flying over the wing while it rolled down the runway, with the final photo capturing the aircraft airborne, engulfed in flames on its left side.
In response to this incident, UPS Airlines President Bill Moore stated that the company is collaborating with investigators to uncover the root cause of the crash. UPS has since grounded its MD-11 fleet, focusing on alternative aircraft to ensure continued service during the critical holiday season.
