NTSB: Engine Mount Cracks Caused Fatal UPS Cargo Plane Crash, Leading to Fleet Grounding
Engine mount cracks and hardware failure caused a fatal UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 14. Federal investigators revealed the cause, grounding MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft.
PBS NewsHourUPS cargo plane involved in deadly crash had cracks in engine mount, investigators say
NewsmaxInvestigators: UPS Plane Had Cracks in Engine Mount
Associated PressInvestigators say UPS plane that crashed in Kentucky, killing 14, had cracks in engine mount
USA TODAYPlane in deadly UPS crash had 'cracks' in engine mount, NTSB says
Overview
Federal investigators revealed that a UPS cargo plane crashed on November 4 near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 14 people, including three pilots and 11 on the ground.
The NTSB preliminary report identified engine mount cracks and hardware failure as the cause, with dramatic photos showing an engine detaching and flying over the wing amid flames after takeoff.
The affected hardware was last inspected in October 2021, and parts with fractures were not yet scheduled for detailed inspection, raising concerns about maintenance frequency and methods.
Following the crash, all MD-11 and DC-10 aircraft used by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global were temporarily grounded for inspection, pending FAA guidance on necessary repairs.
The incident draws parallels to a 1979 DC-10 crash, prompting calls for enhanced plane maintenance, including high-tech metal examination methods beyond visual inspections.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on presenting the NTSB's preliminary findings and expert analysis without overt editorial bias. They prioritize factual reporting of the crash details, including evidence of engine mount cracks and the grounding of MD-11s. The coverage balances different expert perspectives on maintenance schedules and the nature of fatigue cracks, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.