The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed critical information related to the UPS cargo plane crash in November 2025. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of 15 lives, including three pilots and 12 individuals on the ground near Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. The NTSB noted that a faulty part had previously failed four times before this accident.
Background on the Crash
On November 4, 2025, the UPS cargo plane, carrying up to 20,000 packages and 38,000 gallons of fuel, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The aircraft, an MD-11, had only ascended to 30 feet when a left engine detached from the wing, resulting in a catastrophic failure. The plane was traveling at approximately 200 mph at the time of the crash.
The NTSB’s investigation unveiled that Boeing, the parent company of MD-11’s manufacturer McDonnell Douglas, had documented issues with a part responsible for securing the engine to the wing. In 2011, four failures of this part were reported on different aircraft, but Boeing deemed these failures did not pose a safety risk.
Inspection and Maintenance Concerns
Investigators found cracks in the engine mount parts, which had not been detected during routine maintenance. The last thorough examination of these components occurred in October 2021. The scheduled inspections suggested that the plane would not require another detailed assessment for around 7,000 further takeoffs and landings.
Comparison with Historical Incidents
This incident evokes memories of a fatal accident in 1979 when an American Airlines DC-10 lost an engine during takeoff, claiming 273 lives. After that crash, 274 DC-10s were grounded worldwide. However, that aircraft was later cleared for flight, as investigations revealed that improper maintenance had caused the failure, rather than a design flaw.
Criticisms of Response and Maintenance Protocols
- Boeing’s 2011 service bulletin did not mandate repairs, limiting airline owners’ obligations to address the identified issues.
- Former NTSB investigator Jeff Guzzetti indicated concerns over the adequacy of Boeing’s recommended solutions.
- Alan Diehl, a former crash investigator, pointed out that the notice allowed for the installation of outdated parts known to have a higher failure risk.
As the NTSB continues to investigate, the results will influence ongoing lawsuits regarding the crash. The legal implications are critical, especially concerning Boeing’s communicative actions post-2011 bulletin and UPS’s responses to these warnings.
The Aftermath and Current Status
In the wake of the crash, UPS and Boeing expressed condolences to the families affected. Both companies refrained from commenting in detail pending the final NTSB report, which typically takes over a year to complete. Reports indicate that all MD-11 and related DC-10 aircraft have been grounded since the incident due to safety concerns.
Witnesses to the crash reported hearing multiple explosions as the burning aircraft collided with industrial buildings. The dramatic scene highlighted the urgent need for increased safety measures for aging airframes.
The NTSB will also look into whether there have been further failures of the spherical bearing race since the 2011 bulletin was issued. This assessment aims to address both the technical failures leading to this disaster and to enhance regulations governing maintenance practices for older aircraft models.
