Fatigue Cracks Found in Engine of Crashed UPS Louisville Flight, Report Reveals

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The November 4th accident killed 14 people. The aircraft’s left engine detached moments after leaving the ground.

A preliminary report from investigators has now identified the likely cause. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, fatigue cracks were found in the engine mount.

Investigation Uncovers Critical Structural Failure

The NTSB’s report provides the first official details of the crash. Investigators found evidence of fatigue cracks in sections that secured the engine. These were in addition to areas of overstress failure.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F never climbed higher than 30 feet. It lost its left engine and crashed immediately. Dramatic images from the report show the engine and its pylon detaching in a fireball.

The crash resulted in the deaths of the flight crew and people on the ground. The plane was operating from UPS’s main global air hub. The incident has raised serious safety concerns about the aircraft model.

FAA Grounds Fleet Amid Broader Safety Concerns

In response to the accident, the US Federal Aviation Administration took swift action. It temporarily grounded all MD-11F cargo jets. The directive required inspections and corrective actions by operators.

The grounding has since expanded to other aircraft with similar engine-pylon designs. This decision affects a significant portion of the cargo fleet. Approximately 9% of UPS’s planes and 4% of FedEx’s fleet are impacted.

UPS stated it had grounded its MD-11 fleet prior to the FAA mandate. The company cited an abundance of caution. Both UPS and Boeing are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The discovery of fatigue cracks in the UPS Louisville crash investigation has triggered a widespread review of aircraft safety. This tragic event underscores the critical importance of continuous structural inspection and maintenance for aging aircraft fleets.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the UPS plane to crash in Louisville?

The preliminary report points to structural failure. Fatigue cracks were found in the engine mount, leading to the engine detaching just after takeoff.

How many people died in the UPS Louisville crash?

The crash resulted in 14 fatalities. This included the flight crew onboard and individuals on the ground near the airport.

What type of plane was involved in the accident?

It was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo jet. This model is no longer in production and is used exclusively for freight operations today.

Has the FAA taken any action after the crash?

Yes, the FAA temporarily grounded all MD-11F cargo planes. The order was later expanded to include other aircraft with similar engine mounting designs.

How long will the full investigation take?

The NTSB investigation is complex. Definitive conclusions and a final report could take one to two years to complete.