United Parcel Service MD-11 Crash

A United Parcel Service cargo plane crashed in United States — Louisville, Kentucky, killing 14 people, including three pilots and 11 individuals on the ground. Federal investigators from the United States — National Transportation Safety Board released dramatic photos showing the left engine detaching from the MD-11 plane during takeoff, with evidence of cracks in the engine mount. The plane only reached 30 feet off the ground before crashing. The United States — National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report indicated that the aircraft was not due for a detailed inspection of these critical parts, having completed its last examination in October 2021 and still requiring nearly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings before its next scheduled inspection. Aviation experts like Jeff Guzzetti and John Cox have raised questions about the adequacy of current maintenance time frames and the nature of fatigue cracks. Following the incident, United Parcel Service grounded its entire MD-11 fleet, opting to use other aircraft during the crucial holiday season. FedEx and Western Global Airlines also grounded their MD-11 and related DC-10 fleets pending inspections and repairs, which could incur significant costs, especially as these carriers were already planning to retire these planes in the coming years. The United States — Federal Aviation Administration is expected to review and potentially revise maintenance requirements.