UPDATE: UPS and FedEx have just announced the grounding of their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes following a tragic crash in Kentucky that resulted in at least 14 fatalities. This decision comes after a UPS MD-11 crashed during takeoff on Tuesday, claiming the lives of three crew members and raising significant safety concerns.
Both delivery giants are taking this precautionary measure based on recommendations from the aircraft manufacturer. UPS confirmed that this fleet comprises about 9% of its overall operations. The company stated, “Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety, we have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet.” UPS has assured customers that contingency plans are in place to maintain reliable service worldwide.
FedEx, which operates 28 MD-11s within its larger fleet of approximately 700 aircraft, echoed this sentiment. The Tennessee-based company emphasized its commitment to safety, stating it is conducting a thorough safety review in coordination with the manufacturer’s advice. “We are immediately implementing contingency plans within our integrated air-ground network to minimize disruptions,” a FedEx spokesperson said.
The crash occurred near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, with reports indicating that the plane was seen banking sharply to the left before it went down in an industrial area south of the airport. Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveal that the aircraft’s left engine “separated” from the wing during the incident. NTSB board member Todd Inman provided an update, stating that the cockpit voice recorder captured a “repeating bell” for 25 seconds as the crew struggled to regain control of the aircraft, which had reached around 100 feet above the ground before the crash.
Among those lost in this tragic incident were Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and international relief officer Captain Dana Diamond. These developments underscore the urgent need for safety reassessments across similar aircraft models, impacting operations not only for UPS and FedEx but potentially for other carriers relying on the MD-11.
As investigations continue, both companies are focused on ensuring safety and minimizing disruption to their services. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the NTSB conducts its investigation.
Stay tuned for more breaking news on this developing story.